2023/24 Annual Plan Progress Report – Q3

2023/24 – Q3

ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT

JANUARY - MARCH 2024

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

A message from the CEO

Quarter 3 has been dominated by the State Election with the CCA Chair and CEO actively lobbying for the region in multiple meetings with candidates and the media.

Although our current work on the Coastal Shared Pathway is complete, CCA is still lobbying on behalf of regional councils to develop the next stage of the pathway, seeking funding for a feasibility study of the challenging sections and responding to the community’s questions about what is next and where next. In the words of our Chair, ‘It is not a coastal pathway until it covers the entire coast.’ The media coverage of this ‘next steps’ project was very strong during the election campaign and it will continue to be central to our conversations with the government as we prepare for the next election.

With the variation to the Grant Deed signed, CCA can report that significant progress has been made this quarter on the Braddon Truck Wash and Effluent Dump project. The Stanley site is complete; having recently been trialled and subsequent minor adjustments, we are now preparing for an official opening ceremony in June. After some issues with the facility upgrade on King Island, the construction company, Tas Ports and CCA have appeared to have found a workable solution, and preparatory work has commenced on the Minna Road site. This is a highly complex project which has been impacted by increasing infrastructure costs. However, there is considerable interest from the cattle transport sector for further sites.

Since our last report, CCA has been either hosting forums using a provocation methodology or preparing to host a forum. The recent Urban Provocation – ‘Are we willing to pay the price to end homelessness’ was highly successful with the speakers Daryl Connelly, Director of Community, Growth and Development for the Central Coast Council, Royce Fairbrother, Chair and Co-Founder of Action against Homelessness, and Don McCrae Operations Manager of Bethlehem House providing powerful personal and professional insights into the nature and extent of the issues. It is a highly complex issue but collectively participants were keen to work with CCA to identify the next steps.

Early in Q4 we will be hosting a forum with the Minister for Communication, Michelle Rowlands MHA and a transport forum that focuses on the barriers to people movement within and across our region. With have three guest speakers – Dr Lisa Stafford, Dustin Moore and Iain MacDougall. It is worth reminding readers that the topics for all forums are driven by burning issues for council and community and the need to start the conversation so we can look for potential solutions.

The NRM team are still working through the process of finalising projects, with all of the projects funded by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water now signed off, though we are yet to receive our projects from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

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. Please note that as the Representatives have approved the Corporate Strategic Report 2024 – 2028, there will be changes to this report in Q4 as we begin the process of developing work plans and commence implementing the strategic priorities.

Happy reading and best wishes,

Sheree Vertigan AM BA MEd (MAICD) 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.

VISION PURPOSE

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”?

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This Annual Plan Progress Report is designed to keep stakeholders informed on 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 – Implement the Regional Futures Plan by working with Councils, Community and Others.

• Strategy 2 – Lead regional NRM, with Councils and others, to improve the environment.

• Strategy 3 – Activate the Letter of Expectation.

• Strategy 4 – Review of the organisational Strategic Plan.

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

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategy 1 – Implement the Regional Futures Plan by working with Councils, Community and Others.

1.1

Embed the ‘Regional Futures Plan’ as the overarching regional economic development framework for the region.

Promote the Regional Investment Framework to identify and secure support for Regionally Important Projects.

• A decision has been made to rename the Regional Investment Framework to Regional Investment Evaluation Process (which is a component of a Regional Investment Framework).

o This will allow us to develop the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) application in a way that informs a Regional Investment Framework and Master Plan from a place of social and economic inclusion.

Focus on the development of regional partnerships and linkages to support Regional Development.

1.2

Reactivate ‘Choose Cradle Coast’

Advocate for Tasmanian Government and Australian Government support for regional initiatives, priorities and innovations.

• The new Regional Economic Development Committee is now in place. The decision has been made to replace working groups with advisory groups.

• We have continued to build on relationships with innovative farmers in the region, ABS, ABARES and DAFF.

• Work continued on CCA’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) submission.

• CCA developed a State Election Priority Statement, which assisted us in advocating for regional priorities during the state election campaign period.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

Undertake extensive research to support Member Councils and the community through an improved and updated Regional Land-use strategy (RLUS).

• Assessment of best practice for presentation of Regional Land Use Strategy (RLUS) based on similar instruments in Australia and overseas.

• Undertaking a study of planning practices within the region.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategy 2 – Lead regional NRM, with Councils and others, to improve the environment. Strategic

2.1

Increase investment in the region and produce positive NRM outcomes through the implementation of a Regional NRM Strategy.

2.2

Continue to deliver funded NRM projects

Develop a Regional NRM Investment Prospectus and key project implementation plan based on the 2030 Strategy.

Manage and deliver NRM projects including:

Australian Government Programs:

Creating a Hooded Plover Stronghold on Three Hummock Island

Tasmanian Soil Extension Program

• NCA roadmap still in development with the consultant.

• New funding opportunity pursued for a regional natural capital account to provide the foundations for future implementation planning and investment.

NRM Aboriginal Traineeship Program

Healthy Harbour Project

• Felixers remain in the field and are fully operational.

• Next trip planned for early May 2024 to service units and collect latest data.

• Commenced community engagement activities at Forest Primary School.

• Planning of extension events underway

• Engagement with industry advisors underway to understand needs and knowledge gaps

• Completed in Quarter 2. Trainee has continued to work with us as an NRM Officer.

• Project initiated in March, and Strahan-based CCNRM staff recruited to deliver activities focusing on the values of Macquarie Harbour and Maugean Skate.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

State Government Programs:

Community NRM Engagement Program

Activity this quarter

• Sponsored Northwest Ecofest and hosted an engagement stall at the event.

• Facilitated multiple Northwest Weeds Working Group meetings.

• Presented a talk to students studying Cert 3 in Conservation and Ecosystem Management at Burnie Tafe campus.

• Attended the Tamar NRM Gorse Achievements day

• Distributed the March 2024 edition of Cradle to Coastlines.

Implementing the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan (TCMP)

The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund (WAF)

• Launched six of the Council desexing programs; participating councils include Central Coast, Devonport, Kentish, King Island, Latrobe and Waratah-Wynyard.

• Participated in the King Island Show.

• Facilitated a Cat Management Working Group meeting.

• Planning underway with NRM North Coordinator to establish educational activities.

• Final planning stages of conducting a statewide cat survey.

• Ongoing support as required.

• Delayed progress on the latest round due to the 2024 State Election.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

Cradle Coast Authority and Regional NRM Committee Programs:

Circular Head Roadkill Mitigation Project

• Planning underway with Circular Head Council and the Roadkill Warriors film maker to host screenings of the film in Stanley and Wynyard.

• Pledge prizes were drawn and distributed.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategy 3 – Activate the Letter of Expectation. Strategic

3.1

Implement the functions of CCA as described in the Letter of Expectation (LoE):

• Regional development

• Natural Resource Management

• Strategic Services

• Regional Advocacy

• Council Cooperation and dialogue

• Deliver governmentfunded projects

Ensure economic development work is informed and improved through the inclusion of an NRM perspective.

Advocate, promote and provide thought leadership in sustainable development practices and approaches across the region.

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.

• The Regional Development Manager continues to ensure their work benefits from the insights of the NRM team. This will be further enhanced in the coming quarter with the new NRM structure and Land Management Team.

• Released a State Election Priority statement that focused on ensuring the long-term sustainability of our region.

• Advocated these initiatives and projects to Tasmanian political parties and candidates.

• Facilitated an Urban Provocation forum on homelessness.

• Undertook planning to host multiple forums in Q4, including the Reimagining Transport forum and Connectivity forum, which will both take place in April 2024.

• The CCA CEO has worked with local General Managers and Local Government Association Tasmania (LGAT) to progress climate risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

• A Statewide Steering Group and Working Group has been formed.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter

Work with member council General Managers to assess other opportunities that will ‘facilitate’ the Shared Services Strategy and develop a detailed, costed implementation plan where applicable.

• Continued to provide support to West Coast Council through the Shared Audit Panel service.

• Provided Communications support to Circular Head Council

3.2

Plan, coordinate, facilitate, and advocate on behalf of councils.

Monitor, evaluate and review the Advocacy Strategy in response to Local, State and Federal Government priorities.

• CCA received election commitments from the Liberals, Labor and Greens parties.

• CCA’s election priorities featured in local media outlets including print, digital and radio.

3.3

Develop additional capacity to respond to council requests (e.g., Strategic Planning).

Continue to seek funds through budget submissions, advocacy strategy and grant submissions to build additional capacity.

• The Regional Development Manager continues to progress with CCA’s rPPP application.

• Three federal grant submissions completed by NRM.

• CCA REDC submitted two grant applications as a partner.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

• Construction works complete on CCA managed sections.

• Advocacy continues to see the completion of the Shared Coastal Pathway from Latrobe to Wynyard.

projects.

Farm Vehicle Washdown and Effluent Dumping Facilities

Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub

Stanley

• Construction and testing are complete.

King Island

• CCA and TasPorts have developed an alternative solution which is currently being costed.

Smithton

• Tas Water has engaged a design consultant to do the detailed design.

Minna Road

• The contract has been finalised and work commenced on the site.

• Participated in the Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT) Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Stakeholder Reference Group meeting, providing feedback on the proposed NW REZ.

• Met with HIF, the proponent of the proposed eFuels facility, to identify their regional needs.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

• Regular meetings with TasNetworks.

Steps towards Sustainability

Regional Planning Framework

• Four of the five planned Pause Places have now been established in the Waratah-Wynyard municipality.

• Sites are preparing for winter planting.

• Website development is underway.

• Interim Regional Land Use Strategy (RLUS) published.

• Ongoing discussions to establish a process by which the next generation of RLUS is to be developed.

Develop partnerships to promote the Sustainable Construction and Development project

• No progress this quarter.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategy 4 – Review of the organisational Strategic Plan.

4.1

Develop an organisational model that reflects the future form and function of CCA.

4.2

Build the workforce for the future: right people and right employment processes and practices.

Scope the proposed model developed by the Board for presentation to the Representatives in December 2023.

Focus on building and sustaining a high-performing team.

4.3

Achieve financial sustainability.

Monitor the Financial Management Plan to inform decision-making and ensure continued compliance through the review process.

• At the December Meeting, Representatives requested that an external facilitator be employed. This has been progressed, with a work plan prepared and ready for sign-off at the April 2024 Board Meeting.

• NRM staff who stayed employed with CCA between Australian Government funding changes have now been awarded new contracts.

• Following the recruitment process, multiple internal employees were awarded new NRM management roles.

• CCA received the final report from the Cyber Security audit conducted last quarter and has begun implementing its recommendations.

• Draft 2024/25 budget preparations underway.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

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

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

• Advocacy, Communications and Engagement strategy has been reviewed.

• Planning is underway for a more streamlined reporting system to be implemented in the next financial year.

• Website redevelopment in progress.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Summary of Current Projects and Initiatives

Soil Extension Program - Partnering with NRM North and NRM South, this project will deliver the Northwest component of the Statewide Soil Extension Program. Project activities will engage farmers from across Tasmania and aim to increase their capacity and knowledge about the 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

Implementing the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan - This project supports the implementation of the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan (TCMP) by 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.

The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund - The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund (WAF) is a $5 million State Government initiative, funded for five years from 2018/19. The funds provided by the WAF were invested with farmers and other community organisations to tackle weeds impacting valuable agriculture and environmental assets. CCA has partnered with NRM North and NRM South to implement stage two of the fund in the next three years, making it accessible throughout the state.

Circular Head Devil Roadkill Mitigation Project - Cradle Coast NRM is leading a stakeholder working group established to reduce the number of Tasmanian Devils killed on the roads of the Woolnorth area.

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

Healthy Harbour Project - The Healthy Harbour Project is the community engagement component of the Urgent Recovery Actions for Maugean Skate, guided by the National Recovery Team for the Maugean Skate.

Community NRM Engagement Program - The community NRM Engagement Program strives to maintain relationships, networks and capacity for NRM across the region beyond currently funded projects; to educate and engage the broader community in natural values, natural resource protection and best-practice NRM and to recognise and celebrate individuals, community groups, businesses and schools who are undertaking good NRM work.

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.

Tasmanian Government 2018 - 2024

Local Government Ongoing

Australian Government Ongoing

Australian Government 2024 - 2025

Tasmanian Government Ongoing

Australian Government 2019 - 2024

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Summary of Current Projects and Initiatives

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 2019 and 2023.

Steps Towards Sustainability - Installation of at least four pause places around Waratah-Wynyard’s towns and villages. This project is funded through a ‘Healthy Focus’ grant from the Crown through the Department of Health.

All three tiers of government 2019 - 2024

Tasmanian Government 2023 - 2025

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

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.

• 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 central 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 opportunities in our region.

• The Coasters – Hosted by CCA, 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.

• 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.

• Enterprize in the Cradle Coast region – Enterprize supports founders of innovative, high-growth potential businesses by providing world-class education, mentoring, events and spaces across Tasmania. CCA supports the role of the Cradle Coast Startup Community Coordinator and the expansion of Enterprize in the Cradle Coast region.

• The Makers at Cradle Coast UTAS – The Makers site will come to showcase modern making in the region, hosting the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), Tech Solutions Hub, a Business Incubator and public demonstration space inside. CCA is working in partnership with UTAS to support this initiative.

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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. In no particular order, the current project list includes:

• 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 and State governments in working with TasNetworks and Hydro Tasmania to progress these important projects.

• Whaleback Ridge Energy Park – a proposed large-scale wind farm, to be located south of the Tarkine, which will generate sustainable hydrogen. Please note that CCA has received correspondence from the Minister of Planning indicating that this project has now been declared a major renewable project.

• HIF Tasmania – a proposed eFuel plant to be constructed and operated in Surrey Hills on land located within an existing forestry plantation. The plant is expected to produce up to 100 million litres of carbon-neutral eFuel per year.

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

Please note that CCA’s current involvement in this project is now complete; however, we have commenced lobbying for additional funds for the next steps and stages.

• 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.

• 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.

• Jobs Transport Independence Project – developing transport independence for individuals to strengthen local labour markets. WNW Working is currently the lead for this project.

Please note that CCA is no longer pursuing this project, as West North West Working has received funding from TCF. CCA supported this application.

• Table Cape Resort – an internationally recognised luxury resort built at Table Cape, providing over 100 ongoing jobs. Waratah-Wynyard Council is currently the lead for this project.

• Mobile Phone Towers – new mobile phone towers in the region, supporting business productivity, safety, and digital accessibility. CCA is currently investigating how we may provide support for digital literacy.

Please note this issue has been partially funded by the Australian Government. Minister Rowlands MHA will be in the region to discuss issues of connectivity early in Q4