Outcomes -July Council Meeting

At the meeting held 22 July, Council: 

• Adopted the 2025-2026 Annual Plan – we’ll be sharing more details about this soon! 

• Received a question on notice from a member of the public asking if Lowana Road will be sealed in 25/26 budget, with a suggestion to make the sealed section wider. The General Manager advised that this project is being considered, with details still being finalised 

• Received a question on notice from a member of the public asking if in-kind assistance would be available to community groups using the new Strahan Gym & Multi-Purpose Centre, and when can these groups be advised of annual hire fees.  The General Manager advised that Council’s Financial & In-Kind Assistance program remains open for applications, and that Council will be communicating with community groups when appropriate as currently the new facility is not open to the public 

• Received a question without notice from Cr Hamer asking for fire hazards around Queenstown and the West Coast to be investigated and identified. The General Manager advised that staff have started reviewing the abatement process, including the possibility of starting the process earlier 

• Received a question without notice from Cr McKay regarding access to cemetery records and a burial strategy. Staff will review the existing database and cemetery management plans, including how the database might be included in the digitisation process 

• Carried a motion from Cr Hamer regarding support for elected members to join the ALGWA, and for an ongoing learning and development policy for Councillors to be developed 

• Carried a motion from Cr Hamer to hold a workshop to discuss options relating to the Strahan Wharf before handing back TasPorts 

• Carried a motion from Mayor Pitt to change the first instalment/payment in full date for rates.  This extension is due to issues with software suppliers delaying the printing of rates notices.  The first instalment date and the payment in full date is now 30 September 2025, to allow ample time for residents to pay their rates in full and qualify for the West Coast Winners program. 

• Accepted a motion for Council to write to the Federal Government concerning the closure of the Bendigo Bank, highlighting that the West Coast is another rural community left without any direct banking availability. 

• Accepted recommendations relating to Relationships Australia Tasmania services in the region, with Council supporting place-based health access options and the development of a West Coast Community Network such as ‘The Right Place’ 

• Accepted recommendations to remove a Macrocarpa tree in Mellor St Queenstown. This report also raised the need for a policy in relation to our street trees, including retaining greenery when possible and a replanting plan when a tree is removed. 

• Approved funding through the Innovation Sponsorship to the Galley Museum for a photographic exhibition featuring local identities. 

• In the closed session Council discussed a report relating to Rosebery Child Care, approving release of the recommendation that Council: 
  • Proceeds to negotiate with Coastal Family Day Care to activate 13 Blackwood Avenue as a family day care use for a minimum of two years. 
  • Authorise the General Manager to finalise all negotiations, property modification changes and execute the lease with Coastal Family Day Care. 
  • Authorise the General Manager to action a planning application to be lodged and processed for the Family Day Care use of the property. 
  • Remove the residential property of 13 Blackwood Avenue Rosebery from sale on the market and hold it for the purpose of a family day care use.
  • Provide a letter of support for any grant applications sought by Coastal Family Day Care to assist with funding the service establishment. 
  • The project be funded and supported by the WRSP. 

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A recording is available via our YouTube channel.