At the Council meeting held 28 July:
- A member of the public asked if Council had been approached by any data centre companies, and if any non-disclosure agreements been signed between Council and any data centre companies, and if Council would undertake not to go ahead with any approvals for AI data centres until the federal government safeguards have been implemented and the community has had an opportunity to provide feedback. The General Manager and Mayor advised that Council has had no communication or approach from data centre companies and that if anything comes forward Council would communicate with the community
- A question on notice queried the rate increase when issues around an overgrown open drain in Queenstown hadn’t been addressed, asking what ratepayers are benefiting from the increase. The resident also queried why the General Manager drove past their property. We have a lot of open drains across the West Coast and carry out work on them based on available resources and risk to people and property. The rate increase will help us to have adequate resources so these tasks can be completed. The site in question has been assessed and appropriate maintenance is planned. In relation to the General Manager driving past properties, accessing a public street to perform the inspections is a normal part of West Coast Council operations and the community should not be alarmed with the General Manager being out in the community.
- Councillor Butterfield asked for clarification regarding Council’s out of hours call centre and the call out processes. The General Manager advised following the weather events over the weekend that these processes are being reviewed to provide more options and information for the call centre.
- Cr Butterfield asked if there were plans to upgrade the running track at West Strahan Beach in time for the 2027 Mt Lyell Strahan Picnic. The General Manager advised that the operations teams have a list of events that need support throughout the year and that scoping for the running track have progressed. We are looking at top dressing and laying more grass seed early in spring to allow plenty of time for the grass to grow before the event in January.
- Cr Hamer asked if Council was on track for the concrete wall in Strahan to be torn down. The General Manager advised that a meeting was scheduled with design team this week. Following this the plan is to update the committee with the advice and then provide that information to the community, so they get an opportunity to review that before we start work.
- Cr Hamer & Cr McKay raised concerns around Bird Flu and asked if Council could communicate more information and perhaps also review their emergency management plan, business continuity plan, and operational plan and how they relate to bird flu. The General Manager advised that the Government and Council is sharing information. People can also find information online. If people come across a dead animal, don’t touch it and contact Biosecurity Tasmania
- Cr McKay raised concerns about Union Hill/Harold Street in Strahan, with drains and gutters having a buildup of debris causing blockages and traffic issues, with a works request submitted via Council’s website on 23 July. The General Manager advised he will follow up.
- Cr McKay requested a copy of the overarching organisational restructure document and the RV strategy. The General Manager advised work on both were underway and would be circulated as soon as possible.
- Cr McKay asked if residents can still purchase extra wheelie bins or parts of wheelie bins from Council. The General Manager advised that these can be purchased by contacting the Council office.
- Received an updated from the Local Government Rural Health Fundng Alliance. The General Manager will investigate West Coast Council joining the alliance, including cost implications and benefits.
- Noted the responses from the Minister for Health, Mental Health & Wellbeing and the Minister for Primary Industries and Water regarding the proposed accreditation requirements for small-scale growers of berries, leafy vegetables and melons, encouraging people to make a submission before consultation closes on 30 July.
- Discussed a request from Zeehan Thrives letter asking for work to be done at scenic lookouts and roadside stops, noting that Council had written previously to the state government, who own most of these areas. Council would like to see these works progress and will follow up again.
- Discussed the response received from Parks & Wildlife in response to Council’s query about maintenance of the Granville Harbour toilets, with Council to request a meeting with Parks & Wildlife to clarify toilet and signage matters in the area.
- Discussed the response received from the Department of State Growth following Council’s queries about the removal of vehicles from state highways.
- In response to correspondence regarding ongoing telecommunications issues, Council will forward details of Council’s advocacy and communication with Telstra to Zeehan Thrives.
- Discussed a report received from the Cradle Coast Authority regarding transport on the West Coast and Circular Head.
- Received a letter from a Rosebery resident regarding the old Rosebery pool site. Council will need to consider future budgeting to remove or fill in the facility to ensure it doesn’t become a health and safety risk.
- Received the mid-year briefing pack from Recycle Rewards, noting the positive involvement of West Coasters and agreeing to write to Recycle Rewards requesting additional deposit locations in the region.
- Noted updates from Community & Corporate Services & Operations & Infrastructure departments.
- Received the quarterly communications report and Finance Report as at 30 June 2026
- Approved a sponsorship request through the Financial & In-Kind Assistance Policy from West Coast Heritage for the West Coast Heritage & Minerals Fair, to be held 7-8 November 2026
- Approved a sponsorship request through the Financial & In-Kind Assistance Policy from Ken Morrison for the Copper Room Project located at the Lynchford Railway Station.
- Approved a sponsorship request through the Financial & In-Kind Assistance Policy from Pinned Events Pty Ltd for the Trans Tasmanian MTB event to be held on the Mt Owen MTB trails 10 March 2027
- Approved a sponsorship request through the Financial & In-Kind Assistance Policy from PressWEST Tasmania Inc for the PhotoWEST Exhibition to be held October-November 2026.
- Approved an Innovation Fund grant through the Financial & In-Kind Assistance Policy to the West Coast Child & Family Learning Centre to support the continuation of the Fuel Subsidy Trial. (Cr Iwanicki declared an interest and left the room whilst this report was discussed and voted on).
- Noted a report regarding the Cape Sorell Lighthouse Lens, acknowledging the heritage, cultural and tourism significance of the artefact and requesting officers prepare a report outlining permanent display options, estimated project costs, funding opportunities and implementation requirements. Council agreed to continue existing storage arrangements pending Council’s consideration of future options.
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To read the meeting agenda and watch the live stream, visit the Council Meetings Agendas & Recordings page.
The next Council meeting will be on Tuesday 25 August 2026.