The Strahan waterfront is arguably already one of the most idyllic and picturesque locations in the State. But, it’s not perfect and we want to make it even better.

As a proud West Coaster leading a Council focussed on improving the amenity and attraction of the Strahan waterfront, I must say I have been incredibly disappointed – even insulted – to hear and read some of the public commentary and language from out-of-towners and those of certain political persuasions criticising the motives of Council’s planned Visitor Centre upgrade.

So, I’d like to take this opportunity to set out a few facts and bust some myths.

It’s important to understand that the Visitor Centre redevelopment is part of the much larger Strahan Waterfront Precinct, which has been in the works since 2015 when the Council worked in partnership with TasPorts, the Department of State Growth, and the broader community to develop the Strahan Waterfront Precinct Plan.

The outcome of the Precinct Project will provide: a new outdoor public space to make the waters’ edge more enjoyable and enhance the accessibility of waterfront businesses; relocation of the existing public amenities; reconfiguration of the existing car parks; and, renewal of the West Coast Visitor Information Centre.

Subsequently, the Project received $2 million from the State Government and $1.375 million from the Federal Government to help make this exciting concept a reality.

These plans are not a secret, community consultation has been ongoing for a number of years.

More recently, and specifically in relation to the Visitor Centre and Reflections Exhibition, Council has engaged with the architect who built this centre. This included phone calls, emails and meetings, and the West Coast Council General Manager even travelled to Hobart to meet in person.

Council has also been working closely with Heritage Tasmania, including having a heritage condition report completed and digital preservation of the items within the exhibition undertaken.

I would like to stress that Council understands the significance of the Reflections Exhibition; however it is important to recognise that the exhibition is no longer functioning as originally intended.

A large amount of the exhibition area is unsafe, with many slip and trip hazards.  With steps within and a stairway exit, the exhibition is not accessible for many in our community.  Several sections of the exhibition also require updated interpretation.

Council is committed to ensuring the Visitor Information Centre and Reflections Exhibition provides a contemporary experience for both the public and staff, and one that is safe and accessible.

As part of the Waterfront Redevelopment Project, some items within the Exhibition will be placed in the refurbished building, including the Huon Pine Punt and Miners Hut.

The remainder will be carefully removed, wrapped and stored appropriately to ensure its preservation. No culturally significant items from the Reflections Exhibition will be taken to landfill.

It is intended that where possible organic components within the Exhibition will be replanted in an appropriate location, although assessments have recognised this may not be possible for all due to their poor condition.

I’d also like to state that conspiracy theories about the timing of this work and alleged attempts to “beat” a heritage listing of the Reflections Exhibition are categorically untrue.

We appreciate that timing is not ideal particularly given the tourism season, however we do have a pressing deadline to expend the Federal funding component, with no possibility of an extension.

As Mayor, I understand and respect that some people have a strong emotional connection to the Reflections Exhibition.

The West Coast Council has a responsibility to provide facilities and amenities which will maximise the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike, to the benefit of the broader West Coast community.

We believe that the plan that has been developed over time will do this, while also protecting the history of the Reflections Exhibition and providing a contemporary, safe and accessible visitor experience.

BY SHANE PITT, WEST COAST MAYOR.