Council recently sat down with the State Government and Copper Mines of Tasmania in an attempt to resolve the uncertainty surrounding the new Horsetail Falls development in Queenstown.

Ownership, traffic planning, ongoing maintenance requirements and even liability issues were discussed and everyone at the meeting agreed to work together to ensure a positive outcome could be achieved. The current status of the Iron Blow lookout facility was also recognised as something that needs to be included in discussions moving forward.

Council received a good response to its recruitment process for the new Community Development & Events Officer role and interviews for the position will take place shortly. The introduction of this role will see Council ramp up its efforts to assist community groups and others in the community to develop and deliver programs, initiatives and events that can strengthen our community efforts, build capacity and ultimately improve outcomes for all our West Coast communities.

The General Manager attended the launch of the renovated Police Housing project in Zeehan last week. This State Government investment into housing improvements in both Zeehan and Rosebery is a positive development that is much appreciated. Council’s own residential improvement program continues, with a further investment of $250,000 budgeted for by Council in the 2017/18 financial year. Council will be looking to develop an affordable housing Policy this year, once the community owned assets are brought up to an appropriate standard.

Phil Vickers

MAYOR