2023/24 –
APRIL - JUNE 2024
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
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.
Much of CCA’s focus for this quarter has been lobbying and advocating on behalf of the region in response to the priorities identified by the Representatives. To date the Chair, Chief Representatives and I have hosted meetings with the following members of the new Tasmanian parliament:
• Tasmanian Premier, Hon Jeremy Rockliff
• Opposition Leader, Hon Dean Winter MP
• Minister, Hon Nick Duigan MLC
• Miriam Beswick MP
• Graig Garland MP
• Shane Broad MP
• Anita Dow MP
• Janie Finlay MP
• Helen Burnet MP
With a number of meetings being scheduled for Q1 2024/25. These meetings have provided an opportunity to learn more about the new members and their priorities. Additionally, it provided the CCA Executive Leadership Team with a chance to learn more about the Government and Opposition plans and policies, and how they might impact on our region.
CCA shared the Regional Masterplan, budget submissions, Shared Coast Pathway next steps, on-going projects and areas of concern. The discussions were very productive, and we look forward to working with the Government to ensure that all future development across the Cradle Coast to be sustainable and address the triple bottom line – economics, environmental and social benefits.
Highlights from the report
• NRM Team participated in engagement events: Agfest, Ecofest, Leighlands School Careers Expo, Landholder and school sessions and field days.
• Pause Places across the Wynyard Waratah community have now all been installed and the report for this pilot project has been submitted. CCA is hopeful that there may be an opportunity to construct more pause places across the region along the Shared Coastal Pathway.
• Construction of the Shared Coastal Pathway is complete with CCA now exploring – ‘where to next’ and examining alternative funding strategies.
• The Braddon Truck wash and Effluent Dump project is progressing with Stanley and King Island well progressed, site work underway at Minna Road and design work currently being finalised with Tas Water for Smithton.
CCA continues to work with a number of partners on alternative wellbeing and health care models for the region and a follow-up strategy from the recent transport forum.
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.
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”.
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.
To help Councils achieve regional outcomes and maintain strong local government, by working together.
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.
We experiment, reflect, and innovate –we constantly ask ourselves “how can we do this better”?
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
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.
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
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
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.
Focus on the development of regional partnerships and linkages to support Regional Development.
• A review of the Regionally Important projects has been completed – updates will be reflected on the new list.
• CCA CEO has been in discussion with regional tourism organisation WxNW CEO to ensure that there is project alignment.
• Regional Development Manager (RDM) has been working in partnership with a number of regional organisations to deliver an events program – either as a forum or urban provocation.
• REDC has been actively involved in the development of the CCA Masterplan.
1.2
Reactivate ‘Choose Cradle Coast’
Advocate for Tasmanian Government and Australian Government support for regional initiatives, priorities and innovations.
Undertake extensive research to support Member Councils and the community through an improved and updated Regional Land-use strategy (RLUS).
• The CCA Board Chair, Chief Representative and CEO have invited all new members of the Tasmanian parliament to meet for the purpose of ensuring that they are familiar with CCA and our priorities.
• Ten meetings have been conducted, including meetings with the Tasmanian Premier and Opposition Leader.
• MoU close to confirmation, experienced delays.
• Criteria to establish a hierarchy of settlements being developed with the State Planning Office (SPO).
• Consultation on engagement plan for the RLUS with Corr Comms and SPO.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
Strategy 2 – Lead regional NRM, with Councils and others, to improve the environment.
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
• The NCA Roadmap has been finalised, and the next steps are being assessed.
Tasmanian Soil Extension Program
• Project completed at 30 June 2024.
• Camera data analysis revealed an 80% reduction in cat activity over the five years of the project.
• All reporting and deliverables completed as planned.
• Five Felixers remain in operation on Three Hummock Island until the end of their lease in December 2024.
• Planning for extension events in Sept-Oct continues.
• DST promotion at Dairy Tas Effluent Expo Smithton on 18 Jun.
• Ag industry survey with all NRMs and Tas Farm Innovation Hub open until the end of July, group discussion of results early Aug.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
Healthy Harbour Project
Giant Freshwater Crayfish Recovery
Part 2
this quarter
• All planned deliverables completed in Q4 including:
o Five successful community engagement events which involved communication materials for advertising, arranging speakers and venues, and collaborating with community leaders around the Strahan Winter Solstice festival.
o Five Aboriginal Community Group yarning meetings.
o One On-Country visit with the NRM Committee’s Aboriginal Advisory Group.
o One baseline survey of community attitudes toward Maugean Skate Recovery. 22 respondents, and many more conversations and consultations with community members.
• In addition, ongoing contract management and support for the IMAS and Sealife agreements which cover the Maugean Skate captive breeding program.
• Initial engagement with landholders in 3 catchments to identify the final six priority areas from desktop assessment.
• Landholders drop-in sessions held for Sisters Creek and Penguin Creek landholders to find out more about the project.
• Attended Mt Roland Landcare field day to promote the GFC project.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
Strategic Intention
Annual Plan Action
Community action for King Island threatened bird recovery
Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator
Activity this quarter Status
• Baseline GFC monitoring undertaken in three of six priority catchments in autumn.
• “Managing Riparian Areas” booklet developed for use as a handout to landholders and river managers
• Recruitment for Project Officer successful with Nicky Loane recruited to start work on 1 July (2024-25 Q1).
• Contract arranged with King Island Landcare Group for delivery of various project components over four years.
• All deliverables completed with four baseline datasets synthesised in time for Q4 outputs reporting.
• All extension activities identified in Q4 of the SAF 2023-24 workplan were delivered:
o Two newspaper/newsletter articles written
o Five one-to-one farm visits/technical advice
o One training workshop supported
o One conference attended
o Three meetings facilitated
• Attended the Leighlands School Careers Expo
• Supported two training sessions for Landcare group members.
State Government Programs:
Community NRM Engagement Program
• Released new Community Capacity Small Grant round, receiving seven applications.
• Site visit to Wynyard Landcare’s biodiversity plantings at Fossil Bluff to review project accomplishments and
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
Implementing the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan (TCMP)
Activity this quarter
review new direction for the aspects of the project we have funded through the grant program.
• Attended West Coast Weed meeting in Queenstown, U3A climate workshop, Million Paws
Walk Devonport with a stall for Tassie Cat.
• Facilitated Council NRM Working Group with The Drought Resiliency Project guest presenting.
• Submission to Biosecurity Tasmania’s intent to declare foxglove.
• Facilitated two Listmap training workshops for NRM community groups.
• Finalised previous Community Capacity Small Grant round with reporting, milestone payments and extensions.
• Planning underway for presentations/partnerships to assist with setting up a food security-based community group.
• Attended Ecofest, AgFest and the Just Cats Adoption Day.
• Regional Desexing Program Ongoing
• Statewide cat survey nearing completion – waiting on approvals from the State government
• Planning underway for “Catio” small grants scheme
• Final planning stages of conducting a statewide cat survey.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund (WAF)
• Local projects on track. Awaiting news on future projects.
Cradle Coast Authority and Regional NRM Committee Programs:
Circular Head Roadkill Mitigation Project
• Assisted with screening of Roadkill Warriors and Living with Devils in Stanley and Wynyard in May.
• Postponed planned June CHRM Working Group meeting to August 2024.
• Delay in completing Options Paper and seeking funding for project implementation.
• Planning for approach to NRE about a Devil Conservation Area at Woolnorth.
• Planning to deploy Felixers in photo-only mode to gather information about devil and feral cat distribution at Woolnorth.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
Strategy 3 – Activate the Letter of Expectation.
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 CEO, Chair of NRM Committee and A/NRM Business Manager have been working together on a number of submissions and the preparation for RAMSAR listing, Natural Carbon Accounting.
• Hosted meetings with the following members of the Tasmanian parliament:
o Tasmanian Premier, Hon Jeremy Rockliff
o Opposition Leader, Hon Dean Winter MP
o Minister, Hon Nick Duigan MLC
o Miriam Beswick MP
o Graig Garland MP
o Shane Broad MP
o Anita Dow MP
o Janie Finlay MP
o Helen Burnet MP
• CCA has stressed the need for development to be sustainable and address the triple bottom line.
• Work is progressing on the Climate Risk and Mitigation Action Plan that is now being coordinated by LGAT.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
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.
• Currently working on a number of opportunities to provide Councils services in the development of housing masterplans, sub plans, digital master plans and NRM services.
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.
• Currently updating priorities through work with representatives and council workshops.
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.
• Preparations are underway to employ an additional person using saved funds generated from shared services and partnership with FEH.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
3.4
Continue to deliver funded Strategic Services projects.
Constructing the Coastal Pathways
• The initial Shared Coastal Pathway project is complete, and CCA has requested funds from the State Government to undertake a feasibility study to close the pathway's gaps.
Farm Vehicle Washdown and Effluent Dumping Facilities Stanley
• The Effluent Disposal Station is complete.
King Island
• In progress, achieved relevant milestones.
Smithton
• Awaiting finalised drawings that are being managed by Tas Water.
Minna Road
• In progress, achieved relevant milestones.
Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub
• Hosted TasNetworks CEO and Marinus Link CEO to address the CCA Representatives.
• Hosted online information sessions by Marinus Link and ReCFIT with Mayors and Councillors.
• Participated in the TasNetwork NWTD SLG meeting.
• Regular meetings with TasNetworks, scoping some work for TasNetworks.
• Entered a new agreement with Marinus Link to house two members of their team in the FEH.
Cradle Coast
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
Strategic Intention
Annual Plan Action
Activity this quarter
Status
Steps towards Sustainability
• Planning is underway for a proponents’ meeting.
• Regional Development Manager attended Tasmanian Energy Conference.
• 5 pause places implemented.
o planting completed.
• Website development being finalised.
• The project will now move to a monitoring and assessment phase.
Regional Planning Framework
Develop partnerships to promote the Sustainable Construction and Development project
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for preparation of RLUS to be signed imminently.
• Supply and Demand study close to completion as errors in data have been identified and corrected.
• Consultation on draft TPP’s and National Urban Policy compiled and submitted.
• Progress has slowed as private landowner is waiting on the updated RLUS.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT –
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.
• The review has been completed by the external facilitator and a workshop has been scheduled for Q1 next financial year with the view to providing Representatives with a draft response and options in Q2.
• Draft Employee handbook incorporating updated policies and procedures.
• Recommendations from Cyber- security review implemented.
4.3
Achieve financial sustainability.
Monitor the Financial Management Plan to inform decision-making and ensure continued compliance through the review process.
• Ongoing – monitored as part of all financial reporting.
4.4
Improve the way we measure and communicate the impact of our work.
Regular, transparent, and meaningful reporting to our owners and external stakeholders.
• Website redevelopment in progress.
• New reporting templates for the next financial year have been approved.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
Summary
of Current Projects and Initiatives
Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF) - The Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF) is a designated central contact point for farmers, landholders, industry, and community groups and will aim to:
• Engage and inform farmers, landholders, community groups, and agriculture industries within their NRM region about climate-smart, sustainable agriculture practices – including best practice natural resource management, biodiversity and carbon markets, and practices that support emission reductions and build climate resilience on-farm.
• Facilitate partnerships and connections that will assist farmers, landholders, community groups and agriculture industries to work together.
• Support the delivery of sustainable agriculture projects in their region.
Soil Extension Program - Partnering with NRM North and NRM South, this state-wide project delivers soil extension activities that focus on the importance of soil health and improved soil management, as well as supporting farmers and land managers to utilise the knowledge gained through soil testing. Central to the program is working alongside industry and other soil extension providers to value-add to existing soil health management work.
Smallholder Property Management Planning (PMP) Program - Delivering a range of practical engagement activities, this project will support small landholders in our region to improve skills, knowledge and engagement in natural resource management and associated networks. Enhancing their capacity to be able to make more informed management decisions, these landholders will be able to develop and implement a clear plan to manage their land sustainably and help protect the region’s natural environment.
Community Action for King Island Threatened Bird Recovery – King Island Scrubtit and King Island Brown Thornbill - This project will implement actions across King Island to protect the habitat of two priority, critically endangered species, the King Island Brown Thornbill and King Island Scrubtit. Project actions will build the capacity of landholders and community groups on King Island to reduce weed and feral animal threats to the birds and improve the quality and extent of their habitat by connecting remnant habitat patches with corridors across agricultural land.
Giant Freshwater Crayfish Recovery – Part 2 - This project will focus on six priority areas critical to the ongoing survival of Tasmania’s iconic, endemic Giant Freshwater Crayfish (Astacopsis gouldi). Project actions will protect known populations and improve the extent and quality of their habitat. Working with agricultural landholders, the project will improve riparian habitat quality and connectivity through on-ground works over at least 19 km of stream banks. A secondary project priority is to establish baseline data about the threatened native fish, Australian Grayling (Prototroctes maraena), and identify and prioritise the barriers to fish passage that threaten the natural life cycle of this migratory species.
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
Summary of Current Projects and
Initiatives
Healthy Harbour Project - This project will deliver urgent recovery actions required to reduce the Maugean Skate (Zearaja maugeana) extinction risk. The Healthy Harbour project team will continue to collaborate with the Strahan and West Coast community to improve public understanding and support for the species and to decrease concern about the impacts of proposed recovery actions.
Creating a Hooded Plover Stronghold on Three Hummock Island - This project is working to create a stronghold for the Hooded Plover (Thinornis rubricollis), a priority threatened species, on Three Hummock Island. Activities are designed to reduce the key threat to Hooded Plovers, namely pest animal (feral cat) predation. The project continues previous work to protect threatened birds through the implementation of strategic feral cat control in conjunction with project partners
Biosecurity Tasmania and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Circular Head Devil Roadkill Mitigation Project - Cradle Coast NRM is a key stakeholder in a working group established to reduce the number of Tasmanian Devils killed on the roads of the Woolnorth area. The primary focus is on strategies to increase driver awareness and reduce speed in the Woolnorth area, as the most effective method of reducing roadkill is driver awareness and slowing down between dawn and dusk.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Project - Cradle Coast NRM, NRM North and NRM South have been approached by the Australian Government to develop an Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Plan for protecting biodiversity and agricultural natural capital assets for each of the three regions of Tasmania.
Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund - The State Government’s Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund (WAF) provides important funds for farmers and other community organisations to tackle weeds impacting valuable agriculture and environmental assets. CCNRM have partnered with NRM North and NRM South to deliver Stage Two of the fund.
Implementing the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan (TCMP) - The Tasmanian Cat Management Project is an initiative to support the implementation of the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan and improve domestic and stray cat management across Tasmania. Key to the project is a network of three regional cat management coordinators hosted at Cradle Coast NRM, NRM North and NRM South. The coordinators deliver long-term goals of the Project to improve responsible cat ownership and management and minimise the impacts of cats on priority environmental, agricultural and social assets.
Community NRM Engagement Program - This program will raise awareness of NRM priorities as they relate to our 2030 NRM Strategy for Cradle Coast Tasmania and improve the profile of our existing NRM projects to encourage participation. The project will also support a well-informed and resourced network of volunteer groups who use best practice methods to protect our natural resources. Tasmanian Government Ongoing
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
Stronger Councils, Stronger Region
Summary of Current Projects and Initiatives
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.
Steps Towards Sustainability - Installation of five 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.
Regional Planning Project - This project will improve the planning experience for businesses and individuals, enable greater resource sharing across Councils, and ensure the region derives maximum benefit from the forthcoming review of the Regional Land Use Strategy.
Tasmanian Government 2023 - 2025
Tasmanian Government 2022 - 2025
2023/24 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4
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 Evaluation Process – As part of the Regional Futures Plan, the Regional Investment Evaluation Process provides a systematic approach to identifying and securing support for regionally important projects. The Regional Economic Development Committee will maintain a list of regionally important projects, which will be reviewed and published quarterly. The list was released in early 2020 and is constantly updated. 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.
• Cradle Coast Shared Coastal Pathway – The Coastal Pathway extension between Latrobe and Sulphur Creek was jointly funded by local, state and federal government and managed by CCA from 2019 to 2023. CCA is still advocating for the completion of the Shared Coastal Pathway and is actively pursuing initiatives to improve the pathway.