At the Council meeting held 24 March, Council:
- A member of the public submitted questions on notice regarding picnic tables and shelters in Strahan. They asked whether there are any plans to replace the existing outdoor picnic benches at Strahan Beach. The submission also suggested installing an additional picnic table at the Strahan Skate Park, along with shelters over both locations. The current facilities were described as unusable during winter and exposed during summer due to heat. Given that Swan Basin is a high‑traffic area, the installation of a shelter over the picnic table on the waterside was also requested.
In response, Council advised that there is currently no confirmed program for replacement of the outdoor picnic tables at Strahan Beach, installation of an additional table and shelter at the skate park, or provision of a shelter at Swan Basin.
Council is progressing a broader region-wide asset management review. Through this process, the condition, level of use, renewal priorities and ongoing maintenance requirements will be assessed to inform future planning and investment decisions.
The locations referenced can be considered as part of Council’s future recreational asset planning to determine whether renewal, upgrade or rationalisation works may be warranted.
Council further noted that Swan Basin is managed by Parks and Wildlife Service. Council will write to Parks and Wildlife Service to raise the matters outlined in the submission for their consideration.
- Received a question on notice from Cr Butterfield asking Council to advise if there are any plans to modify and improve the footpath directly outside the Rosebery Memorial Hall.
Council acknowledges concerns regarding the condition of the footpath and entry approach outside the Rosebery Memorial Hall, noting that uneven levels may present slip or trip hazards, particularly for elderly users and those with limited mobility.
Council is reviewing available records to determine whether any works or interim measures were undertaken after the issue was initially raised in 2017.
No external funding or assistance has been sought to date. Following a site inspection and confirmation of the scope of works, Council will consider potential funding opportunities, including engagement with the Department of State Growth if applicable.
Council will undertake a site inspection to assess the condition of the footpath and entry approach and to identify appropriate options to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.
- Received a question without notice from Cr Graham regarding the way finding sign in Reid St was moved to a place where it no longer meets the purpose for why it was originally put in place. Is there an application to move the sign from a State Growth Road Reserve in place? And is there an application in place to place the sign in its new location, being a Local Government reserve? If there is an application for both in place, who were the enabling persons that approved the shifting of the sign.
As part of the PA that was issued for a driveway at 5 Harvey St permission was given to relocate the sign subject to obtaining relevant permits. A permit was issued by State Growth to carry out works on site but this related to the construction of a driveway. No mention was made on the application with regards to the moving of signage.
- Received a question without notice from Cr Iwanicki asking if Council has received any correspondence from the Western Regional Strategic Partnership (WRSP) regarding the appointment of a local West Coast Project Officer and if not, can Council make inquiries about the status of the recruitment process?
The General Manager has not been advised on the recruitment process. Council will write to Western Strategic partnership regarding the above appointment and the process undertaken. Update to all to provided upon receipt of response.
- Received a question without notice from Cr McKay seeking an update on the current Asset Management Plan, including asset condition, renewal requirements, and any identified risks, a summary of the asset register, including the current valuation of assets and any key insights that will assist Councillors in understanding asset sustainability and future funding requirements ahead of budget deliberations.
A report will be provided to the April Council meeting
- Received a question without notice from Cr Graham asking if there was any substance to recent media reports that the Minister for Local Government is initiating the placement of an administrator to West Coast Council.
The Mayor advised he has had conversations with the Minister or Local Government, and at no stage did he mention placing an administrator to West Coast Council.
The comments that were attributed to the Minister that appeared in the recent newspaper article were supplied by an advisor to the Minister, not the Minister himself.
- Received a question without notice from Cr McKay regarding the software used by Councillors and what was the plan moving forward.
Councillors can still access the existing program for the document library. A Councillor Portal is under development which will incorporate the document library plus additional features. This portal will be demonstrated at the Councillor workshop on April 28.
- Discussed correspondence from The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania in response to Council raising concerns around gorse and wider weed management in the region.
Councillors will seek a more in-depth discussion with the government.
- Discussed correspondence from the Minister for Health, Mental Health & Wellbeing regarding pathology services at WCDH, received following Council raising concerns on behalf of the community about a reduction in pathology services.
Council will investigate further and look to meet with hospital and pathology representatives to gain more clarity around services.
- Noted updates from each department.
- Received the final audited Roads and Infrastructure Program report for the period ending 30 June 2025
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