2022-23 Annual Plan Progress Report - Q3

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

A message from the CEO

Quarterly Progress Reports are intended to let the reader know how we are progressing against the Annual Plan developed for and approved by Member Councils each year.

It has been a frenetic start to 2023 and a busy Quarter three – with much of the team’s time being consumed by the preparation and submission of grant applications, budget submission and the major NRM tender for the next five years. Each of these tasks demands different input and can be all consuming especially if your future depends on a successful outcome. The NRM tender process was a call for Regional Delivery Partners as Stage One of the allocation of funding and the outcome of this process should be known by the end of June. At that point the team will enter into a co-design phase for the regional projects with the relevant Federal Departments. It is also worth noting that the team is simultaneously working of concluding and reporting on existing projects. I would like to publicly acknowledge the contribution made by the entire team at CCA, NRM Committee and the Board of CCA to this process.

The tender for the Regional Residential Supply and Demand Study has been let, with the contract currently being finalised. This critical piece of work will ultimately inform the Cradle Coast Regional Land Use Strategy. In addition, the Regional Plan Group (RPG) is preparing a study of current planning processes along with a review of fees and charges across Member Councils. Much of what we hear about planning is anecdotal; this study should provide real data which in time can influence both policy and practice.

Requests for external stakeholder engagement, as well as formal and informal advocacy, for this region continues to increase aligned to the regional and State upturn in economic activity. It is critical that we provide a regional perspective as different initiatives impact of different communities and areas of the State in different ways. This difference was very evident in the data collected by the Regional Economic Development Coordinator while updating the Housing Report. Not only did it highlight Council by Council differences, but it also provided greater clarity as to the issues. This report is now available on the website and has been circulated more widely and gained considerable traction in the media and section of government and community.

It is our hope that we have finally provided all relevant information necessary to progress the Truckwash and Effluent Dump Project. The Department’s deadline is 28th April 2023. It is our understanding that we will soon be able to start construction subject to final sign off. CCA appreciates the support we recently received from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of King Island in bringing together the stakeholder groups. Undoubtedly the next stage in the Project will present different challenges – work force, materials and competition but while it was never going to be an easy project, it is seen as highly valuable by so many in the community and is of great interest to other communities across the State.

CCA’s strength comes from its partnerships and capacity to provide a regional overview, and while it is inappropriate to list all of the current partnerships, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of Jim Cavaye, Pro- Vice Chancellor Cradle Coast Campus UTAS who has been an active member of the Regional Economic Development Committee, a partner in the development of a business innovation hub and entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as an advocate for CCA. Jim has made a great contribution to our region.

This quarter has provided CCA Board and CEO with multiple opportunities to interact and provide insights about our region. Federally we have met with Minister McBain (Regional Development and Local Government), Senator Anne Urquhart, Senator Carol Brown, Minister Shorten (Government Services); and closer to home, we have met with Minister Jaensch, Barnett and Ellis. We welcome these opportunities and appreciate the insights we gain from these conversations. CCA has made a number of budget submissions that will help us to deliver further service to our Member Councils and Community.

The CCA Board is currently working on the development of our next Strategic Plan. As is obvious from this Quarterly Report we have completed or are about to complete a number of projects; and we are gearing up to commence work on the next round of projects.

My report is just a small snapshot of the work of CCA; I encourage the reader to visit the website (cradlecoast.com) or follow Choose Cradle Coast and Cradle Coast Authority on Facebook, and Instagram or sign up to receive our newsletter.

Best wishes,

Sheree Vertigan AM BA MEd Chief Executive Officer

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

VISION, PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLES

CCA’s Vision and Purpose are underpinned by our commitment to our fundamental Principles. These principles guide the way CCA conducts its business and how CCA delivers all its activities and services for the benefit of the region.

A Region that is prospering as a result of strong Councils working together, where ratepayers, industry and government see the benefits of investing in the CCA model. In short, “Stronger Councils, Stronger Region”.

To help Councils achieve regional outcomes and maintain strong local government, by working together.

AGILE COLLABORATIVE OPTIMISTIC LEAN GROWTH MINDSET

We adapt and refocus quickly and easily, in response to change.

We play to others’ strengths and listen with intent to understand and avoid duplication.

We see the best possible outcome and strive for it.

We use our resources wisely and keep things simple. If a longer meeting or document won’t add value, we’ll keep it short.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region.

We experiment, reflect, and innovate –

we constantly ask ourselves “how can we do this better”?

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This Annual Plan Progress Report is designed to keep external stakeholders informed of our progress. It will be updated quarterly and published on our website. Quarterly progress will be reported against CCA’s four strategies, the following strategies have been drawn from the guidance of the CCA Representatives Letter of Expectation.

• Strategy 1 – Regional Economic Development: Making our region an even better place to work, visit, learn, and invest.

• Strategy 2 – Natural Resource Management: Improving the environment and supporting sustainable agriculture.

• Strategy 3 – Strategic Service: Pursuing opportunities for our business, our owners, and our region.

• Strategy 4 – Model best practices in local government and public administration.

Quantitative measure: Qualitative assessment:

More than or equal to 80% of milestones or requirements met Project is on track to meet deliverables or has met all deliverables

More than 50% and less than 80% milestones or requirements met Project has minor delays and/or challenges

Less than 50% milestones or requirements met Project is significantly delayed and/or has major challenges

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Strategy 1 – Regional Economic Development

1.1 Ensure the “Futures Plan approach” is the overarching economic development framework for the region.

Advocate to secure support and attract funding and investment for Projects of Regional Importance identified through the Regional Investment Framework.

• Shared Housing Report and budget submission with Minister for Regional Development at a private meeting.

• Continued work on the Housing Report for the West Coast Council.

• Provided input into the Tasmanian Population Strategy

• Continued refresh of the key documents that inform the Regional Futures Plan.

• Commenced a review of Project of regional Importance.

• Regional Futures Plan Evaluation entitled ‘Building the Plane in the Air” has been selected to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Journal of Rural Studies.

Ensure our economic development work is informed and improved by including NRM perspectives and vice versa.

• Two submissions have been completed that reflect CCA’s commitment to the fully integrated business model:

Tasmanian Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2025, Tasmanian Planning Policies Review

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

Maintain ongoing engagement with other key regional economic development entities and organisations including not limited to WxNW, State Growth, Chambers of Commerce etc.

Activity this quarter Status

• REDC to host or facilitate a number of forums including urban provocations, joint logistics project/forum, health forum.

• Building strong ties with Northern Tasmania Development Corporation, Southern Tasmania Development Corporation, and LGAT through the joint proposal – Statewide Councils Climate Action. Proposal submitted to Minister in July 2022, refreshed and resubmitted prior to meeting with Minister Jaensch.

• Providing input to NTDC on CCA Governance model as they reshape their organization.

• Close working relationship with RDA Tasmania and the Regional Coordinator:

• Attendance at the Launch of RDA Strategic Regional Plan for Tasmania. Regular attendance at RDA Committee meetings member of CEO selection panel

• Attendance at Future Tasmania as part of RDA team.

• Preliminary meeting with Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMMEC) CEO

• Co- ordination with UTAS of the business innovation and incubator space.

Use the entrepreneurial ecosystem map to promote regional opportunities (Swinburne PhD initiative).

• Completed but awaiting approval for distribution from Swinburne Centre for Social Impact.

Minor delays

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Strategic Intention

1.2 Continue to deliver funded Regional Economic Development projects.

Annual Plan Action

Manage and deliver Regional Economic Development projects including:

Contructing the coastal pathways

Farm Vehicle Washdown and Effluent Dumping Facilities

Activity this quarter Status

• TasRail advise that the construction of the Culvert and upgrade to the crossing at Norfolk Crossing will be completed in the second Quarter of the year.

• Treloars Contracting have completed approximatly 70% of the West Ulverstone section.

• Harding’s Hot Mix have commenced work on the Don to Leith section.

• All documentation has been submitted to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, regional development and Communication

Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub

• Recent staff changes have impacted on this work however the Hub continues to host a number of meetings and CCA is an active stakeholder

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Strategy 2 – Natural Resource Management

2.1 Implement the Regional NRM Strategy Develop a Regional NRM Business and Investment Plan

• Draft implementation plan used to help develop CCA’s bid for the Regional Delivery Partners tender.

2.2 Continue to deliver funded NRM projects Manage and deliver NRM projects including:

Australian Government Programs:

Coastal Saltmarsh Recovery in Robbins Passage and Surrounds

• Rice Grass spraying undertaken by Circular Head Landcare volunteers and contractors, covering 118km of coastline (hectares still to be mapped), contributing 522 volunteer hours, 210 contractor hours and applying 7443 litres of herbicide.

• Final fish monitoring surveys conducted by UTAS with unpublished results indicating that once Rice Grass is removed there is a significant increase in abundance of fish and an increase in fish diversity.

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

Giant Freshwater Crayfish Recovery

Activity this quarter

• End of project monitoring undertaken in Leven River and two Detention R properties.

• 1.65km of Allen Creek, tributary of Duck River completed along with off stream watering point.

• Site inspections undertaken with Tasmanian Land Conservancy to evaluate revegetation projects undertaken by landholders in Leven, Inglis and Detention. Report will look at survival rates, lessons learnt and provide recommendations for future projects.

• Some project landholders experiencing delays in getting fencing contractors.

• Promotion of end of project Field Day planned in Duck River in April 2023. Media articles and advertisements in Tas Country, Circular Head Chronicle and Wynyard Pulse

Enhancing King Island Brown Thornbill habitat patches for future corridors

• Fencing contractor secured and fencing to protect bird habitat erected across three landholder’s properties, as a demonstration site.

• Field day conducted

• Evidence collated for final project reporting

Status

Minor delays

Minor delays

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

Defining and mapping habitat requirements to support the survival of King Island Scrubtit and King Island Brown Thornbill

Activity this quarter

• End of project presentation delivered to key departmental staff

• Project completed with final report and survey data submitted and approved by AG

Status

Rice Grass Removal from the Rubicon-Port Sorell Estuary

• Successful Rice Grass treatment season with 590 hectares treated. Work completed by two contractors – Hedges Environmental Weeds Services and Coastal Landcare Services.

• Permit received by State Government, Biosecurity Tasmania, to aerially treat dense rice grass meadows in the upper estuary via a specialised drone.

• Authority for Works provided by Property Services to utilise aerial permit to treat meadows.

• Aerial spraying information booklet produced and provided to stakeholders for notice of plans to treat Rice Grass with drone

• Engaged contractor Taz Drone Soultions to carry out aerial spraying.

• Media releases – Tas Country article and ABC radio interview.

Creating a Hooded Plover Stronghold on Three Hummock Island

• Final two Felixers installed in the north of the island. All Felixers serviced and data collected.

• UTAS PhD student Alex Paton has uploaded the project photos into the Camelot database and will give CCA access to analyse photos.

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

Community support for Maugean Skate Recovery

Activity this quarter

• Highly successful Summer Discovery Ranger completed in partnershio with Tas PWS and summary report completed.

• Interpretative sign co-designed with IMAS researchers – copies provided to IMAS, NRE Tas with Strahan Primary School and Strahan Cruise boat operators also to receive copies in poster form.

• Selected works from SKATEx on display at IMAS for 3 months at Hobart waterfront and Taroona offices.

• Bronze sculptures of skates and interpretative signs completed awaiting final approvals for installation in Strahan.

• Attended Wynyard Show (March 18), EcoFest Ulverstone (1 April) with Skate Education banner and latex replica skates.

• Evidence collated for final project reporting.

NRM Aboriginal Traineeship Program

• CEM close to completion

• Ongoing participation in Fossil Bluff interpretation project reference group

• Assisted with Aboriginal Participation Plan review.

Status

Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF)

• Delivered a RALF workshop session for landholders at Lorinna (12 January)

• Evening dung beetle identification and trapping workshop session for visiting RALF’s and farmers (14 February)

• Trapped and provided 5,000 Geotrupes spiniger dung beetles for Lorinna Graziers

• Trapped and provided 3,000 Geotrupes spiniger dung beetles for Red Cow Organics/Bruny Island Cheese Co.

On track

On track

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

Activity this quarter Status

• Trapped and provided 5,000 Geotrupes spiniger dung beetles for farmer Matthew Robinson

• Delivered workshop session for TasTAFE apprentices

‘Identification & function of tunnelling dung beetles’

• Delivered workshop session for TasTAFE apprentices

‘Introduction to plant diseases’

• Delivered workshop session for TasTAFE apprentices ‘Plant diseases of a pasture-based system & case studies of disease management in the pyrethrum industry’

• Assisted with Soil Extension Officer workshop, field day, site visits and follow up soil test result discussions

• Assisted with Protecting our Productive Soils workshop, field day and procuring one agreement

• Assisted with soil health assessments and gathering baseline data at Drought & Innovation Hub project sites

• Coordinated NRM stall at Waratah/Wynyard agricultural society show

• Provided eight agribusiness contacts for PhD student Samuel Hong to interview

Protecting Our Productive Soils

• Workshop session delivered to TasTAFE apprentices

‘Understanding and managing soil erosion through the use of seasonal cover crops’

• Workshop session delivered to Greenham Tasmania farmers

‘Identification & function of tunnelling dung beetles and how they help mitigate soil acidity in an intensive grazing system’, 7,000 Geotrupes spiniger dung beetles released across three farms at Repda

• One agreement signed with Greenham Tasmania farmer to manage soil acidity

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

Tasmanian Soil Extension Program

Activity this quarter Status

• Delivered a workshop and field day in Lorinna focusing on soil health monitoring in the field, interpreting soil tests and organic/biological soil amendments

• Delivered a field day at Sunnyside looking at rejuvenating and diversifying pastures and the benefits this can have on soil health and productivity.

• Completed nine one-on-one's with landholders going through soil test results and looking at soil in the paddock

• Discussions ongoing with the King Island Beef Group for a session in mid-late May

Production Systems Approach to Soil Ecological Restoration

• Multi-species pasture established at Westmore with ongoing monitoring occurring including soil moisture probe installation. Community extension event planned for 2 May at Westmore. Guest speakers to include Agronomists and the local farm manager.

• Cover crops have been sown on 5 potato producers farms across the NW Coast. Ongoing monitoring is occurring with soil moisture probe installation occurring when cover crops are sufficiently established. Community extension event will be held at a time and venue that fits in with the growers’ schedules.

State Government Programs:

Community NRM Engagement Program inc. Smallholder Program

• Updated our NRM community through regular direct emails, the Cradle Coast NRM Facebook page and distributed the March 2023 edition of the Cradle to Coastlines newsletter.

• Some Community Capacity Small Grants now completed and others on track.

• Sponsored and hosted stall at North-West Ecofest

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

Activity this quarter

• Facilitated an application for funding for West Coast Weed Action Plan under the Weed Action Fund Small Grant Round 2.

Implementing the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan (TCMP)

• Met with Central Coast Mayor Cheryl Fuller and Emma Post from Riana Cat Project to discuss cat management

• Virtually attended AIAM events

• Held first Cat Management Working Group meeting for the year

• Worked with King Island Landcare and NRET to create the King Island Cat Survey. Launched survey in March via social media, TassieCat website, King Island Council website and King Island Courier

• Attended King Island Show on behalf of TassieCat

• Completed radio interview with King Island Radio

• Currently working on lobbying plan for the region on request of GMs

• Currently working with NRET to roll out Cat Management Act 2009 authorised officer and front desk training for local government

• Attended Regional Cat Coordinator budget planning meeting

The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund (WAF)

• Supported the development of project applications from across the region for Round 2 of the Small Grant round and promoted the funding round.

Status

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Cradle Coast Authority and Regional NRM Committee Programs:

Circular Head Roadkill Mitigation Project

• Held expert workshop on site to seek new options for roadkill mitigation.

• Attended Devil Country Muster and Marrawah surf comp for community engagement.

• Attended March Council workshop to discuss mitigation options.

• Attended CH Road Safety Committee meeting and assisted with submission to Transport Commissioner re: Speed limit reduction.

King Island Strategy Development Support

• Contract prepared for KILG outlining CCA’s support and strategy development process initiated

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Scoping meetings held with Matt Harrison, TIA’s carbon farming expert and supported by Alison Kelly, farm emissions specialist with Victoria’s Ag department.

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Strategy 3 – Strategic Services

3.1 Effectively implement the Shared Services Strategy and collaborative working arrangements.

Continue to offer fee-for-service activities to Member Councils.

• Currently offering services to two across three projects and looking to develop further business cases.

• In negotiations with two regional partners re possible provision of strategic services - governance, facilitation and desk top audit.

Minor delays

3.2 Plan, coordinate, facilitate, and advocate on behalf of Councils.

Explore shared service opportunities in Environmental Planning e.g., climate change (review climate plans for coastal Member Councils), lead implementation of zero plastics and other initiatives as identified and agreed.

Evaluate requests and opportunities and act on behalf of Councils where strategic alignment is achieved (to be determined based on needs).

• RemPlan have commenced work on the Demand and Supply Study. Input has been provided by the Program Manager Regional Planning as appropriate.

On track

• CCA has submitted a number of proposals to Council for the provision of shared services with some success. It is our intention to increase the focus on the presentation of business cases or proposals.

• Currently undertaking research into most appropriate methodologies for the delivery of different services.

Minor delays

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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3.3 Continue to deliver funded Strategic Services projects Regional Planning Framework

Activity this quarter Status

• Research and drafting of West Coast Housing Study.

• Research for study of planning processes and fees in the region.

• Research for study into experience across the state into adopting plan build.

• Compilation of response to climate change strategy consultation.

• Preparation and delivery of urban provocation 2 “Recasting the Tasmanian dream”.

Minor delays

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Strategy 4 – Model Best Practices in Local Government and Public Administration.

4.1 Continue to build our capacity to ensure financial viability. Implement and monitor a longterm financial management plan to ensure financial sustainability.

• The Core Operations surplus has been maintained.

• The financials are compared to budget and variances analysed.

On track

4.2 Improve the way we measure and communicate the impact of our work.

Regular, transparent, and meaningful reporting to our owners and external stakeholders.

• CCA continues to review and refine approach feedback. On track

4.3 Make the most of technology to improve organisational effectiveness and efficiency.

Establish high levels of technological literacy among staff.

• Management continues to review processes and implement policies designed to minimise the likelihood of a cyber breach.

• Cyber security is now a regular feature of all reports.

On track

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Summary of current projects and initiatives

Regional Land Partnerships Core Services - The Core Services portion of the Regional Land Partnerships Program (RLP) is intended to enable the NRM groups to undertake NRM planning, project design, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) activities. It also supports the community, including community groups, the Aboriginal community, and industry groups to participate in the delivery of RLP projects.

Coastal Saltmarsh Recovery in Robbins Passage and Surrounds – This project aims to improve the condition and long-term protection of the Coastal Saltmarsh Threatened Ecological Community by targeting the primary ecological threat to saltmarsh, Rice Grass, and through brokering and establishing conservation agreements with landholders to maintain and protect saltmarsh on or adjoining their properties.

Giant Freshwater Crayfish Recovery – This project will protect and improve priority stream habitat for the highly valued and vulnerable Giant Freshwater Crayfish. Working with landholders to establish conservation agreements and undertake riparian protection and rehabilitation works, the project will increase the area of good qual ty habitat within the species’ range and protect it from further degradation.

Protecting Our Productive Soils – This project will engage and support farmers to build capacity to better manage hillslope erosion on mixed cropping farms and soil acidification on intensive grazing enterprises. This will achieve practice change on the ground and improve the sustainability of agr cultural activities across our productive landscapes.

Creating a Hooded Plover Stronghold on Three Hummock Island – This project will protect the threatened beach-nest ng shorebird species, the Hooded Plover on Three Hummock Island by work ng towards the eradication of feral cats from the Island, as well as controlling the invasive weed, Sea Spurge, and removing marine debris.

Rice Grass Removal from the Rubicon-Port Sorell Estuary – This project will improve the condition and the long-term protection of Coastal Saltmarsh and feeding habitat for migratory and resident birds, by controlling and containing the estimated 660 ha of Rice Grass in the Rubicon-Port Sorell Estuary, a key threat to the ecosystem.

Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF) – Working with farmers, industry, and community groups to promote sustainable agricultural practices. This project includes the development and support of online Property Management Planning programs to help rural landholders better understand their property’s assets, identify management limitations or problem areas, and protect the natural values which exist on their property.

Implementing the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan – This pro ect supports the implementation of the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan (TCMP) through developing and implementing awareness and education programs to improve levels of responsible cat ownership across the region, assisting Member Councils in the development of policies linked to the TCMP including the development of by-laws and development and implementation of compliance programs for the Cat Management Act along with training programs for Member Council employees.

Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub – A partnership between CCA and industry, established to showcase Cradle Coast’s future energy potential. The Hub will be a centra place for industry participants to host community and industry engagement activities and a place for the community to learn about the range of renewable energy opportun ties in our region.

Farm Vehicle Washdown and Effluent Dumping Facilities – This project will see the construction of modern washdown and effluent dumping facilities at Smithton, Burnie, Devonport and King Island for livestock transport and other vehicles.

Food Producers’ Network – This nitiative will support start-up agritourism, food and drink businesses in the region, in partnership with the new food business incubator, Seed ab Tasmania CCA will support the delivery of several business boot camps and masterclasses at Smithton, Devonport and between, which will form the basis of a Food Producers’ Network.

Funding Provider Duration

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Australian Government 2020 to 2023

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Tasmanian Government 2022 to 2026

Industry Tasmanian Government

2019 to 2022

Australian Government 2019 ongoing

Industry Australian 2019 to ongoing

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Summary of current projects and initiatives

Funding Provider Duration

Industry Local Government Ongoing Constructing the Coastal Pathway – Jointly funded by the State and Australian Government along with Latrobe, Devonport City and Central Coast Councils, the $14 4m Coastal Pathway extension project will see 21 km of additional pathway built between Latrobe and Sulphur Creek between 2020 and 2021

Local Government Networking Program – In partnership with Local Government Professionals Tasmania, this initiative will deliver a series of professional development and networking events aimed at increasing collaboration and engagement amongst Member Council employees across the region.

All three tiers of government 2019 to 2023

The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund – The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund is a $5 million Tasmanian Government initiative. The funds provided will be invested with farmers and other community organisations to tackle weeds that are impacting valuable agricultural and environmental assets. CCA have partnered with NRM North and NRM South to deliver Stage Two of the fund over the three years (2020 – 2023). The funds will provide a more strategic and targeted approach to tackling high priority weeds that affect agriculture and the environment to improve the productive value of land and protect our natural values.

Defining and mapping habitat requirements to support the survival of King Island Scrubtit and Brown Thornbill – This project will aim to improve understanding of King Island Scrubtit and King Island Brown Thornbill populations and habitats to identify those locations, vegetation commun ties and/or habitat types considered mportant to the species’ survival. The information will inform habitat descriptions, guide habitat retention and rehabilitation, and in doing so, provide increased certainty to landowners, regulators, and the community in the future

Soil Extension Program - Partnering with NRM North and NRM South, this project will deliver the north-west component of the State-wide Soil Extension Program. Project activities will engage farmers from across Tasmania and aim to increase their capacity and knowledge about management of productive soils. There is a focus on increasing soil testing and providing support for on-farm decision-making and management activities that improve soil health

Tasmanian Government 2018 to 2023

Tasmanian Government 2020 to 2023

Australian Government 2022 to 2023

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q3

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Other ongoing initiatives

• Implementing the Regional Futures Plan (RFP) – The Regional Futures Plan provides a blueprint for a new way of doing regional economic development. Backed by industry, government, and the university sector, it aims to boost regional growth and foster a more resilient economy, lifting the living standards of residents in the region.

• Regional Investment Framework (RIF) – As part of the Regional Futures Plan, the Regional Investment Framework provides a systematic approach to identifying and securing support for regionally important projects. The Regional Economic Development Steering Group will maintain a list of regionally important projects, reviewed, and published quarterly. The list was released in early 2020 and is updated constantly. The purpose of the list is for our region to speak with one voice in support of projects that will drive positive economic change.

• Regional Events Strategy – An initiative whereby Member Councils have joined forces to promote regional events. Regional events identified by the Regional Events Working Group are marketed on behalf of Member Councils through CCA’s new-look website and its Choose Cradle Coast social media channels. The Regional Events Working Group also aims to deliver other initiatives aligned with the Regional Events Strategy.

• The Coasters – Hosted by CCA and sponsored by the University of Tasmania and CPA Australia, The Coasters was established in 2017 to ‘Connect. Inspire. Grow’. The network aims to connect like-minded aspirational young people who live and work on the Cradle Coast and wish to influence the region’s future. They share skills, knowledge, and experiences to raise aspirations and improve access to career development and mentoring opportunities.

• Swinburne University of Technology Partnership – The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swinburne University of Technology’s Centre for Social Impact will see CCA support work to achieve social impact, providing an opportunity to work in and within the region, to create an inclusive, people- centred regional economy. The MoU arrangements also includes a co-funded PhD scholarship aimed at supporting the implementation of the Regional Futures Plan and the establishment of a Centre of Social Impact within CCA’s premises.

• Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) Partnership – Aimed at strengthening Local Government and reducing duplication, by sharing information more freely, CCA and LGAT will work together to deliver training, events, and other services to our Member Councils.

• University of Tasmania Partnership – The partnership with the University of Tasmania will see CCA support and/or host two PhD candidates and two Honours students working on projects aimed at supporting the implementation of the Regional Futures Plan.

Projects of Regional Importance

There are currently eight regionally important projects that have been submitted and accepted by our Regional Economic Development Committee (REDC) under the Regional Investment Framework. More details on the regionally important projects are available here.

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The REDC, a business focussed, industry-led Committee of CCA, assesses submissions against the objectives of the Regional Futures Plan, which include more jobs, more training opportunities, a better lifestyle and overcoming social disadvantage. Businesses, community groups, peak bodies and other organisations can make a submission with assistance from the CCA team. Submissions are considered on a rolling basis. In no particular order, the current project list includes:

• Coastal Pathway extension – extensions and improvements to the Coastal Pathway, transforming it into an iconic tourism experience and increasing liveability. Up to $32 million required.

• Don River Railway upgrades – a scenic railway from Devonport to Penguin and other Don River Railway upgrades, including a café and function centre. Building upon the existing Don River Railway tourism operation with the aim to capture overnight visitors by presenting a more diverse offering. Approx. $5 million required.

• Mobile Phone Towers – new mobile phone towers at Woolnorth and Togari, supporting business productivity, safety, and digital accessibility. Approx. $2.2 million required.

• World-class organic composting facilities – supporting FOGO (food organics, garden organics) collection from 40,000 households and businesses. This project involves the construction of an organic waste composting facility in Devonport to process waste from the public and collected by local government Councils. Approx. $6 million required.

• Natural Resource Management Jobs – 200 new land conservation jobs delivered through a ‘fair share’ of a $4 billion land conservation stimulus package proposed by NRM Regions Australia. Up to $20 million allocated to our region would see people working on weed management, track work and other Natural Resource Management projects.

• Marinus Link and Battery of The Nation – together these projects will create thousands of jobs and enable the delivery of low-cost, reliable and clean energy generation and storage providing benefits to the entire National Electricity Market – working to make the best use of Tasmania and Australia’s renewable energy resources. CCA supports the Australian Government and State Government working with TasNetworks and Hydro Tasmania to progress these important projects. Battery Of The Nation approx. $900 million. Marinus Link approx. $3.5 billion.

• Jobs Transport Independence Project – developing transport independence for individuals to strengthen local labour markets. Approx. $1 million required.

• Devonport Sound and Light Show – install a unique tourism attraction and performance technology for local arts and cultural expression. Estimated cost $3 million.

• Table Cape Resort - an internationally recognised luxury resort built at Table Cape, providing over 98 ongoing jobs with a total project cost of $55 million.