At the Council meeting held 22 September 2026:
- West Coast Winners draw for those ratepayers who paid in full. 987 properties were eligible for this draw and the recipients were:
- $3000 voucher – Vanessa Ann Pennie from Rosebery
- $2000 voucher – to be redrawn*
- $1000 voucher – Annmarie Young & Rachael Blagdon from Rosebery
- $500 voucher – Peter Knapman & Stuart Davis from Tullah
- $500 voucher – Victor Wilson & Suzanne Howe from Rosebery
The next draw will be later in the year for those who have paid by each of the four instalment dates.
*following the Council meeting it was realised the original $2000 recipient is an employee of West Coast Council and therefore ineligible. Mayor Pitt will redraw the prize 24 September.
- Cr Iwanicki submitted a question on notice regarding the proposed reduction of services to the Service Tasmania opening hours. The General Manager confirmed Council had not been formally consulted or notified by Service Tasmania regarding the proposed changes and that Council considers the proposed reduction in service availability is likely to have a significant impact on the community. Council will write to the Premier and Service Tasmania to formally object to the proposed reduction and request that current service levels be maintained, with a report to be considered by Council.
- Received a question without notice from Cr McKay seeking an update on the development of an RV strategy. Cr McKay noted the increased RV visitation predicted from the new Spirit of Tasmania vessel has the potential to place additional pressure across the West Coast on Council infrastructure and assets, including parking, public amenities, dump points and existing RV facilities. The General Manager advised Councillors will be provided with a draft document by the end of this week.
- Cr Hamer provided feedback on the Australian Local Government Women’s Association conference she recently attended whilst Cr Pitt & Cr Iwanicki provided feedback on the LGAT Annual Conference they recently attended.
- Received notification from the Tasmanian Heritage Council that the Rebekah Lodge No. 11, at 2 Cutten Street Queenstown, had been permanently placed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.
- Raised concerns regarding the Family Violence Reforms Bill provided in correspondence received from the Department of Justice. Councillors noted the document was difficult to read, with no clear outcomes or protection for victims. Cr Iwanicki asked Council to consider how it may respond to the draft bill, and to consider what steps Council could take to protect the identity of people, for example inclusion of names on Council public record documents.
- Thanked Leigh Styles for his thorough letter to politicians in response to the proposed reduction in Service Tasmania services. The letter was very well written, clearly articulating concerns and potential impacts.
- Acknowledged the positive outcome in relation to the Lake Burbury Fishing Competition and Targa Tasmania, a positive outcome for the region.
- Noted the 2023-2024 West Coast Community Economic Analysis prepared by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies around the economic contribution of Macquarie Harbour Aquaculture to the region.
- Provided a letter of endorsement for Telstra’s application for funding through the Mobile blackspot program, which if successful will see improvements on the West Coast.
- Noted correspondence from Community Transport Services Tasmania regarding current wait times for new registration, with concerns regarding the cost of using the service.
- Received notification of the 2026-207 Financial Assistance Grants provided by the Australian Government. Councillors believe the allocations are not equitable for the West Coast, with West Coast Council’s allocation not aligning with the region’s contribution to the GST, which is much higher.
- Discussed the creation of a Student Advisory Council, with Council’s Community Services team connecting with schools.
- Voiced disappointment that implementation of smoke-free zones in towns has not progressed, with the community continuing to raise this as a concern.
- Noted departmental updates, with discussion around a spike in complaints received regarding animals (barking dogs, roosters, roaming livestock), waste management and initiatives including the free kerbside collection, green waste and the impact of Recycle Rewards on recycling reaching Council.
- Noted that Council is reviewing power pole assets to determine which are Council responsibility, liaising with TasNetworks to rationalize what WCC own.
- Acting Manager Infrastructure & Operations advised the new liner for the 25m pool in Queenstown will be installed following the 2026-2027 season, with no impact to pool functioning for the season.
- Acting Manager Infrastructure & Operations advised planning is on track to deliver the Queenstown Stadium project by the end of 2026 with a construction company appointed and works to start next week.
- Noted the report regarding the proposed changes to opening hours at the Queenstown Service Tasmania office and agreed that a letter be sent to Premier Rockliff, with a further letter to follow offering potential solutions, including the option for Council staff to be trained.
- Received a report noting that the Uniting Church has ceasing their lease at the former Queenstown Senior Citizens building, with the facility returning to Council. Council expressed their disappointment in the Uniting Church and confirmed all existing user arrangements will continue at current hire rates for the remainder of the 2026/27 financial year. Council thanked Mrs Shirley Scolyer for her work revitalising the facility and confirmed she will be able to continue supporting the community in the space. The Director Corporate & Community Services will meet with Mrs Scolyer this week to confirm arrangements. Council also agreed that a report be presented to the February 2027 Council meeting regarding the commencement of an Expression of Interest process for third party manage the facility from 1 July 2027.
- Received a report regarding the Strahan Waterfront redevelopment and the recent community consultation. Council acknowledged the Strahan Waterfront working group member contributions in representing the community’s vision and requirements for the Strahan Waterfront Precinct, along with the contributions made by the dedicated community through the public engagement process. Council further agreed to:
- support the removal of the wall structure as proposed in the revised design and implementation of the grass verge and gabion wall seating to the waterfront project.
- support the remainder of stage 1 being actioned post the 1st quarter budget review at the end of September 2026.
- support the further engagement with the Strahan Waterfront working group to refine the priorities of implementation for stage 2.
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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 27 October 2026.