West Coast Council invites submissions from interested members of the public as part of the development of the Strahan Airport Feasibility Study currently being conducted by Deloitte Access Economics.

The Study will determine the feasibility of the Strahan Airport as a potential visitor and freight gateway for the region, including what upgrades and investment will be needed to secure a facility that can support and help drive growth in the future. Submissions can be emailed to ecodev@westcoast,tas.gov.au, in person at the Council Office at 11 Sticht Street, Queenstown or posted to PO Box 63, Queenstown TAS 7467. Submissions will be accepted until 5pm Wednesday 31 May 2018.

I would like to remind ratepayers that rates are now overdue. Rates for the 2017-2018 financial year were required to be paid in full by 23 March 2018. Payments can be made by sending a cheque in the mail, by credit or debit card, in person at Council or at Council agencies, by BPAY or Australia Post. If you need more information, please contact Council on 6471 4700.

It has been very pleasing to hear about visiting medical students from the University of Tasmania who visited the West Coast last week. The six students were able to gain a valuable insight into the range of healthcare and medical services here in our region as well as undertake placements at the Queenstown General Practice, Queenstown Medical Union Pharmacy, Health West & Lyell House aged care facility, Rosebery Community Health Centre and West Coast District Hospital. Council is very pleased to be able to partner with the University of Tasmania’s College of Health and Medicine and I am sure the students will leave with a greater understanding of the health needs of regional communities such as the West Coast. 

Phil Vickers

MAYOR