The State Government budget will see some much needed investment in the West Coast, with the Rosebery and Zeehan Neighbourhood Houses to receive upgrades, continued funding of the West Coast Wilderness Railway and $100,000 towards West Coast marketing and branding.

This is in addition to the $9.5m previously announced for Mt Lyell. I have no concerns that the government only allocated one year’s funding in the budget for the Railway.  The railway is a world class attraction and an important tourism asset for Tasmania and the West Coast.  Minister Rene Hidding has made it clear funds will be allocated as needed.  As Anthony Brown and his team continue to grow the railway business funding allocations from the state will alter as required. When I sat in the parliament with then minister David O’Byrne prior to the last election the railway received bipartisan support from all parties and I would envisage this continues today.

Recently Council staff have been preparing numerous funding applications under the Community Infrastructure Fund.  We are pleased to advise that we have received funding to complete the Strahan Airport Feasibility Study and master plan for our waste transfer stations.  Both of these projects will provide much needed guidance to plan for future development.  Unfortunately we were unsuccessful in obtaining funding for a Sport and Recreation Plan and Stormwater Asset Identification Study. 

Council has also appointed a consultant to conduct a study into West Coast aquatic facilities.  This study will provide Council with detailed short and long term recommendations for the operations of swimming pools in the region, and will include engagement across the West Coast community.  We believe this study is a step in the right direction to ensure Council continues to make informed decisions regarding assets, provision of services to the community and use of community money.  More details will be available soon, with the consultant commencing this week.

Phil Vickers

MAYOR