Issue 4 February 2004
Bi-Monthly Newsletter Contract Food Processing Facility Project Launched
A
central processing base for Tasmanian produce is a step closer thanks to the first project to be funded under the Food Value-Adding component of the Cradle Coast Sustainable Regions Investment Plan.
Touring Route Signage Bright new signs directing visitors to the region’s touring routes have now been installed as part of the touring route strategy. The Cradle Coast Authority’s Regional Tourism Development Manager, Ian Waller, said 45 signs had been erected in the region. Ian said the Authority was now welcoming feedback on the signage. “We recognise that we will need to monitor, evaluate and possibly amend the placement of the signs to ensure we maximise their impact on the visitor market.’’ Ian said the erection of the signs and the release of the new regional tourism brochure were the first steps in the implementation of the touring route strategy. “We have also produced a detailed plan for the long-term development of each of the touring routes and a research company has been employed to undertake market research to provide customer feedback for the future development of the routes. “In addition, we have developed the first five of a range of tear-off hub map publications that will be distributed throughout the region. “We are in the process of preparing marketing plans for each of the routes and and are conducting an audit of tourism infrastructure.’’
The State and Federal Governments, the Cradle Coast Authority and a private Tasmanian food company have joined forces to investigate the development of a contract food processing facility at the old Clements and Marshall factory at Paramatta Creek, south of Latrobe. The Sustainable Regions Program has contributed $40,000 to the study, while $20,000 each will be contributed by the State Government and the site’s new owners, Bellamy’s Organic Farms. The project is in direct response to the Cradle Coast Food Industry V al u e -A d di n g R e p or t w hi c h identified the need for more flexible, contract-based food processing in the region. The feasibility study will assess the viability of making the Paramatta Creek facility the State’s central processing plant for small and medium-sized food businesses.
Former Primary Industries Minister, Bryan Green, tours the Parramatta Creek orchards with new owners David and Dooley Bellamy and their children, Storm (left) and India. Picture: Courtesy of Stuart Wilson and The Advocate. Although the region already has a number of major food processing plants, they are not geared to serve the special needs of the small to medium-sized food business. The lack of flexible processing and packing means the region is missing out on important opportunities for value-adding to it’s traditional produce and by-products. The establishment of a contract food processing facility will allow
smaller operators to process product on a contract basis and will mean some boutique producers will have access to export markets that would previously have been out of their reach. The feasibility study is expected to be completed this month and the Bellamys are hoping to have the first stages of the facility, to be called Tasmanian Pure Foods, operational by May.
Cradle Coast Cultural Audit & Directory Launched
O
n February 15 the Premier Jim Bacon officially launched the Cradle Coast Cultural Audit and Directory at Smithton. Researched and written by Di Hollister on behalf of the Authority, the audit outlines the cultural framework of the region. The audit found there was a unique and special cultural character to the region and
dispels the myth that the area is culturally deficient. The audit provides a snapshot of the region, details of arts and cultural heritage resources, equipment for hire and a directory of contact details for organisations and resources. Copies of the audit will be sent out to member councils and is available from the Authority’s website at www.cradlecoast.com
Cradle Coast Authority Newsletter
Page 2
SPOTLIGHT ON . . . TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FUNDING Tourism Development Plans for Central Coast and Burnie Spirit Signage The Devonport Eastern Shore Special Committee has been allocated $50,000 to improve visitors’ arrival and departure experiences at the Devonport home of the Spirits of Tasmania. The funding has been provided from the $3 million tourism component of the $12 million Sustainable Regions Investment Plan being managed by the Cradle Coast Authority. The funding will address the core elements of the visitors’ arrival and departure experience by imp roving and co-ordinating signage, tourism information and visual amenity between the Spirits’ docking area and the Bass Highway onramps. The project will also address many needs specific to the East Devonport business community and local residents, as well as the rapidly growing visitor market.
B
urnie and Ulverstone are set to benefit from tourism plans valued at $125,000. The Central Coast Council will receive $40,000 from the Sustainable Regions Program to investigate the development of the Leven River as a major tourism drawcard for the region, while Advance Burnie will receive $20,000 for the development of a tourism plan. The funding to the two councils is being provided from the $3 million tourism investment component of the $12 million Sustainable Regions Investment Plan being managed by the Cradle Coast Authority.
Leven River Precinct Plan The Leven River has huge, untapped potential for nature and recreation based tourism and the project will help the Central Coast reinforce its place on the region’s tourism map and build linkages with the Great Nature Trail and Cradle Country Touring Routes. The project will identify new opportunities for tourism, recreation, community and economic development based on sustainable use and management of the river as an asset for residents and visitors alike. The Central Coast Council has already taken a lead role in improving the quality of tourism experiences by also committing to a new visitor centre, signage and the “Hello” campaign. These commitments, together with the Council’s contribution of $40,000 for the Leven River Study, will provide new reasons for visitors to stay longer
At the funding announcement for the Burnie Tourism Development Plan are (from left) Burnie Mayor Alvwyn Boyd, Advance Burnie Chief Executive Bruce Sexton, Senator Richard Colbeck and Cradle Coast Authority Executive Chairman Roger Jaensch. Picture courtesy of Tony Cross and The Advocate.
and spend more money in Central Coast. The study will take about six months to complete and will be managed by a project steering group representing key stakeholder and user groups.
Burnie Tourism Development Plan Meanwhile, the Burnie Tourism Development Plan will identify specific tourism development opportunities in the Burnie area that will appeal to visitors traveling the Great Nature Trail touring route. The project will be managed by Advance Burnie and the $20,000 Sustainable Regions Program funding will be matched by a $25,000
The East Devonport precinct is expected to service more than 500,000 passengers in 2003-04, including 250,000 visitors representing 30% of the total Tasmanian visitor market.
The total value of tourism projects funded under the Sustainable Regions Program to date is $422,000. “It’s a commercial approach that fits well with Burnie’s efforts to boost its events and conference sector.’’ Advance Burnie has set up a project steering committee, known as the Burnie Precinct Steering Committee, to drive a whole of government approach to the project and to ensure the tasks are integrated and co-ordinated.
The project has been developed and will be managed by the Devonport Eastern Shore Special Committee. The Devonport City Council is supporting the initiative and will make a financial contribution of $272,000 over two years towards the project.
contribution from the Burnie City Council. Cradle Coast Authority Regional Tourism Development Manager Ian Waller said the plan would give Burnie the edge in making smart decisions about its future in tourism. “The plan will enable Burnie to focus on developments that meet proven market demand.
The plan will investigate ways to maximise the economic benefit of the tourism industry to the local economy through increased visitor numbers, length of stay and yield. The plan will also identify tourism development opportunities for the area which will stimulate private investment and employment. Cradle Coast Authority Executive Chairman, Roger Jaensch, Senator Richard Colbeck and Central Coast Council Mayor, Cr Mike Downie, announce plans to investigate the tourism potential of the Leven River. Picture courtesy of Stuart Wilson & The Advocate.
In addition, the plan will develop a vision to enhance the visitor experience and define how that experience can be developed and enhanced during the next 20 years.
Cradle Coast Authority Newsletter
Page 3
SPOTLIGHT ON . . . EDUCATION PROJECT FUNDING First Stronger Learning Projects Announced Bass Highway Update
T
planning and deciding on educational pathways.
A regional project to expand career and educational pathway planning in Arthur District schools will receive $544,000 of Sustainable Regions funding, matched by $819,000 from the schools.
This year the project will provide a 0.5 staff member to all high schools, district high schools and colleges in the Arthur District and next year dedicated career guidance staff will be provided to primary schools in clusters.
Meanwhile, while an innovative project to build a lifelong learning community in Circular Head will receive almost $1 million, including $347,500 from the Sustainable Regions Program and $542,780 from the project partners.
The project will focus on key transition points where students are at the greatest risk of not continuing with education or of becoming disengaged and will also provide professional development opportunities for teachers and transition workers.
Launching the Circular Head Learning Community Project at Smithton are (from left) Greg Winton, Roger Jaensch, Senator Richard Colbeck and Jenny Breen. Picture courtesy of Tony Cross and The Advocate.
Student Pathways
The project will involve TAFE Tasmania, the University of Tasmania and the Department of Education’s Office of Post-Compulsory Education and Training and will complement the Government strategy Tasmania: A State of Learning.
The project is the first to bring university, TAFE, schools and local businesses together with local government to look at area-specific solutions and is likely to become a template for regional areas.
“If we are to be successful with our submission the engineering basis of it needs to be robust and that requires complex technical investigations.”
For the next three years these project partners will work together to create a seamless and integrated range of learning experiences and opportunities tailored to the local community’s needs and aspirations.
Roger said the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources had assembled on ground information and completed concept designs taking into account the issues raised through the working group.
he first two projects funded under the Stronger Learning Pathways Program have been announced.
The Student Pathways Project, launched in December, is aimed at developing a regional model for providing support to young people in developing individual pathway plans for education and employment.
A funding submission for the upgrading of the Bass Highway west of Burnie is expected to be made in July.
Project initiatives include the University of Tasmania working with schools in a mentoring role, providing a Circular Head tutor for the University Preparation Program and developing a network of university learners. Schools will also create community partnerships to implement projects, community mentors will be used to mentor at risk kids and local businesses will be recruited to assist with increased workplace training. Launching the Student Pathways project are (from left) Parklands High School students Michael Besnard and Carly Davis, Arthur District Superintendent Jenny Breen and Cradle Coast Authority Executive Chairman Roger Jaensch. Picture courtesy of Tony Cross and The Advocate.
Currently transition support and careers advice is available on demand, but this project will ensure that vocational learning and future career planning is structured, of a high quality, consultative, ongoing, tailored to the individual and most importantly available to all students. The project recognises that young people need one-on-one career guidance and the 31 schools in the Arthur District — covering schools from Circular Head through to King Island, the West Coast and Burnie — will be provided with additional staff resources to give students better access to assistance in career
The project has been designed so the external funding component winds down over three years as the core activities it supports become part of the normal school program, ensuring long-term benefits beyond the life of the Sustainable Regions Program. The project will be managed by the Arthur District Education Office on behalf of the project partners.
Lifelong Learning Community In Circular Head, Stronger Learning Pathways funding will enable the creation of a culture of lifelong learning and a commitment to learning pathways.
TAFE Tasmania will appoint a business development project officer to work with the Circular Head Business Enterprise Centre and local businesses and part of the funding will be used to employ a change leader to assist in delivering project outcomes. The change leader will be an “on ground” position aimed at building capacity for change and implementing specific projects within each of the organisations represented by the partners. The project will be managed by the Circular Head Council. The total value of projects funded under the Stronger Learning Pathways Program to date is $893,500.
Cradle Coast Authority Executive Chairman Roger Jaensch said while the preparation of the submission had been slower than the community would have liked, it had been a complex process.
“In early January Pitt & Sherry Consulting Engineers were engaged to assist with the estimation of costs for each of the identified projects. “It is expected that these estimates will be completed this month and then a working group meeting will be arranged to determine the relative priority of each project for incorporation into the funding submission.’’ Roger said that once the priorities had been set, and projects and their estimates adjusted, the funding submission would be made. “It’s a process of working out the best improvements to safety and travel time at the most reasonable cost and with the most logistically achievab le method,’’ Roger said.
Cradle Coast Authority Newsletter
Page 4
STAFF PROFILE . . . NIC DEKA Regional Events Co-ordinator
N
ic Deka has many passions in his life — his children Miles (7), Zoe (5) and Sophie (5 months), his partner Andrea McQuitty, extreme sport and now co-ordinating events for the Cradle Coast Region. Born in Sheffield and raised in Devonport, Nic has worked as a district fire officer, a field training officer in Antarctica and as an outdoor recreation consultant. In his spare time he’s participated in bushwalking, mountain biking, rock climbing, mountaineering and wild water kayaking — a sport he was introduced to by his wife Andrea who is a 12 times Australian champion.
Cradle Coast Authority Regional Events Co-ordinator, Nic Deka.
Contact us … 30 Marine Terrace, Burnie PO Box 338 Burnie 7320 Phone: 03 6431 6285 Fax: 03 6431 7014 Email: admin@cradlecoast.com Website: www.cradlecoast.com
Cradle Coast Authority Roger Jaensch—Executive Chairman rjaensch@cradlecoast.com Sarah Poortenaar—Executive Officer spoortenaar@cradlecoast.com
Tourism Ian Waller—Regional Tourism Development Manager iwaller@cradlecoast.com
Natural Resource Management David McCormack—Natural Resource Management Co-ordinator dmccormack@cradlecoast.com
Stronger Learning Pathways Nick Flittner—Project Officer nflittner@cradlecoast.com
Tasmania, the Department of Transport and Regional Services’ Regional Assistance Program and the Cradle Coast Authority. The goal is to develop the region’s existing events and create opportunities for new events. Nic will also look at building expertise among existing event organisers, many of whom are volunteers or members of community organisations. Nic sees a key part of his role as being a “purveyor” of information and one of his priorities will be to put together a directory of resources, planning tools and models which can be used by event organisers.
Now Nic is devoting his skills and wealth of experience to help the Cradle Coast Region attract, develop and retain major events.
“I also will work with Tourism Tasmania and Events Tasmania to build a Statewide events database that will be a regional resource for accessing event information.
Nic was appointed to the position in September and believes there is enormous potential for the region to attract major cultural and sporting events.
“In addition I will be encouraging more co-operative approaches where people collectively market their events with other events organisers.”
The position was created as an initiative funded by the State Government through Events
Nic said there were significant differences between the municipal areas in the region.
“In terms of resourcing and the availability of expertise there are huge differences. “Because of these differences my approach is to create event development strategies for each municipal area in the region.’’ Strategies for the Kentish and West Coast municipalities are now underway and Circular Head, Central Coast, Devonport and Burnie strategies will be started shortly. “I believe my role is to work at two levels,’’ Nic said. “Primarily I will be working at a regional level on the key issues common across the region, and to a lesser extent I’ll be working at the local level to help individual areas achieve their priorities.’’ One of Nic’s key projects at the moment is working on the 2006 Ulverstone meeting of the Ulysses Motorcycle Club. “This is going to be a huge event with more than 6000 people visiting with the primary goal of touring. “The whole region stands to benefit from this and we have to get it right.”
Partnership Agreement Update The partnership agreement between the State Government and the Cradle Coast Authority has been reviewed to remove completed projects from the schedules and to add new priority projects. The partnership agreement was signed on October 10, 2001 and since then the following projects have been successfully completed: √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Construction of the Strahan sewerage scheme Demolition of the former Burnie Hospital Devonport Gateway Development Plan Cradle Tourism Development Plan Sealing of the Arthur River Road Cradle Coast Cultural Audit Upgrading of key bridge infrastructure at the Black and Detention Rivers Implementation of the Cradle Coast Recreation Planning Framework Establishment of the Recreation Advisory Group
Three new regional initiatives have been added to the Cradle Coast Partnership Agreement and focus on the business and employment opportunities associated with wind-farm developments and the region’s food industry.
The new regional initiatives are:
∗ Wind-farm related industry clusters—support the establishment of long term business and employment opportunities associated with major windfarm developments in the region. ∗ Food value adding—work together to increase the value-adding of the food industry in the region through further processing, innovation and branding of produce. ∗ Family and business migration—collaborate to identify strategies and ongoing regional programs to ensure a long-term supply of local candidates for skilled positions. Cradle Coast Authority Executive Chairman Roger Jaensch said the Cradle Coast Partnership Agreement had achieved a lot during the past two years. “The progress made under this agreement is an example of how the Authority can work effectively with different levels of government on regionally significant projects,’’ Roger said. Roger said the three new initiatives under the Cradle Coast Partnership Agreement would continue to lead to the creation of new investment and employment opportunities in the region and would also build on the successful partnership approach utilised so far.