Following last week’s big announcements made on the West Coast during Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Will Hodgman’s visit to our region, a number of mining companies have also publicly indicated that plenty of jobs will be created with West Coast people in mind.

We look forward to the months ahead when advertising for these roles commence.

West Coast Council, General Manager, Dirk Dowling and Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator Christine Gray travelled to Derby this week. The trip was very worthwhile as they met with representatives from both local government and private business. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about their experiences with mountain bike trail development and also how a small community and its businesses managed change. West Coast Council felt this was an important opportunity given the windfarm and mining employment opportunities soon to commence in Zeehan. 

In terms of the Queenstown Mountain Bike Trail, Council has two years to complete this project, with time to be used to ensure the trail is developed professionally to ensure its future sustainability and attraction to the trail market.

Finally, I wish to remind readers that school term three commences from Monday 23 July. This is a timely reminder to slow down on the roads and reduce speed to 40 kilometres an hour in and around school zones. I should also make mention of St Joseph’s Primary School Queenstown, where there will be a no right turn restriction from Pontifex Street into Orr Street during nominated school hours. This change has been put in place to increase safety of students, staff and driver’s.

Mayor

Phil Vickers