16 March 2016 |
The West Coast is a step closer to implementing further outcomes from the West Coast Community Plan 2025 following a resolution from West Coast Council to establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC).
The Committee will assist Council in the development and implementation of potential projects along with other opportunities and priorities that are likely to emerge for the region. The EDAC will discuss, research, develop, recommend and assist Council to drive forward economic development initiatives.
Council’s Economic Development, Tourism & Events Coordinator will act as the EDAC secretariat.
“Establishment of this Committee will ensure Council continues to be in a position to provide leadership and truly engage with all stakeholders – including the West Coast community, industry and the State Government,” West Coast Mayor Phil Vickers said of the decision.
Advertising for positions on the Committee will commence within the next month, with Council to seek expressions of interest to fill community, business and industry roles. Two Councillors (in addition to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor) will be nominated to sit on the EDAC, with Council to liaise with the State Government regarding appropriate representation also.
The possibility of temporary diesel generators being installed at West Coast sites to alleviate current energy concerns was also tabled at the March Council meeting, with Hydro Tasmania advising they are investigating locations such as Tribute Power Station and Newton Pumps as potential sites.
“Staff are discussing the matter with Hydro Tasmania to ensure all applicable approvals or permits are obtained and as both potential sites are outside of residential areas we don’t believe noise will be a factor should the installations need to occur,” General Manager Dirk Dowling says of the generators.
Other matters discussed by Council at its monthly meeting included:
- a request to extend the Queenstown Swimming Pool season was denied due to budget limitations
- a Non-Profit Organisation Rates Remission Policy was adopted to ensure a clear and definitive criteria for assessing applications for rates remissions was available
- acknowledgement of support from MMG Rosebery Mine and Tasrail for their donation of sheltered seating to be installed at the Rosebery Plaza