2024 State Election Priority Statement

CRADLE COAST AUTHORITY

Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) was established in 1999 It is jointly owned by eight of the nine regional Councils, with the purpose of building a stronger region.

CCA's three operating functions are:

Making our region an even better place to work, visit, learn and invest.

OUR VISION

Maintaining our natural environment and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Pursuing opportunities for our member Councils, communities and businesses.

A strong, resilient, and sustainable north-western and western Tasmanian region built through partnership with Council, Community, Business and Industry.

OUR PURPOSE

Advocate, lead, support, facilitate and foster: innovation, regional planning, investment, economic and environmental management across the region

OUR REGION

The Cradle Coast is a diverse region which spans across the North West and Western Tasmania

OUR MEMBER COUNCILS Cradle

KEY ELECTION PRIORITIES

At this election, CCA seeks a commitment from all Tasmanian political parties, leaders and individual candidates to invest in the Cradle Coast:

REGIONAL FUTURES PLAN – A MASTERPLAN FOR THE CRADLE COAST

A regional master plan that capitalises on opportunities for the long-term sustainable future of the region.

REQUEST: $1,000,000

Total investment over 3 years

SHARED COASTAL PATHWAY

Community activation of the Shared Coastal Pathway, mapping existing routes and identifying interconnecting links

REQUEST:

Stage 1 $100,000

Stage 2 $600,000

Stage 3 $250,000

BUILDING CLIMATE-RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

Assist Member Councils to build capacity to create liveable communities and preserve natural values for future generations.

REQUEST: $450,000

Total investment over 2 years

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Cat Management and Desexing Program

REQUEST: $140,000

Total investment over 2 years.

Circular Head Roadkill Mitigation Project

REQUEST: $395,000

Seed funding investment

Coastal Wetlands Protection Program

REQUEST: $1,190,000

Total investment over 3 years

REGIONAL FUTURES PLAN – A MASTERPLAN FOR THE CRADLE COAST

To the CCA, the Regional Futures Plan is our masterplan; similar to a city deal, a strategic regional partnership – an opportunity for councils, business, industry and community to work together to create a long-term sustainable future for our region.

It brings together current initiatives and builds comprehensive data sets to inform regional priorities, initiate regional responses to government policy and drive regional advocacy. Its intent is to provide a regional overlay that is informed by data and research to foster collaboration while respecting that there are priorities that are specific to individual councils and communities or sub-regional collectives as proposed by the local government review; ultimately, it is about working together to make this region a place where people want to live, work and play – liveable, a preferred region because of the possibilities.

The Cradle Coast Regional Futures Plan (RFP) is based on an intergenerational report that was informed by the collection of regional data and stakeholder engagement It is reviewed annually and adjusted appropriately to ensure it maintains relevance for our region. This process has identified some deeply embedded systemic, structural challenges that need to be overcome to ensure the region is well-placed to respond to opportunities and challenges. While acknowledging that the region has undergone some substantial development in recent years, significant work remains to be done

Our track record to date:

The next steps:

Establishing Cradle Coast Enterprize

Supporting The Makers, a technology and innovation hub at UTAS Cradle Coast.

Leading the review of the Regional Land Use Strategy (RLUS), regional planning processes and practices.

Facilitating a number of forums including a review of health care models for the region, sustainable construction and development, and the Urban Provocations series.

Project management including Truck Wash and Effluent Dumping facilities, Coastal Shared Pathways, Pause Places and many Natural Resource Management projects

Further embed the Regional Futures Plan by capitalising on opportunities such as the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, Local Government Review, strategic regional partnerships and the work of the CCA Regional Economic Development Committee.

REGIONAL FUTURES PLAN – A MASTERPLAN FOR THE CRADLE COAST

Healthcare – undertake an innovative “Models of Healthcare” pilot project, working in conjunction with healthcare providers and UTAS.

Transport – evaluation of movement of people and goods, including demand-responsive transport to increase workforce participation to make the region more socially and economically inclusive. Exploration of alternative modes of transport and delivery to support future industries and productivity, i e Last Mile delivery

Education – supporting local initiatives to increase the level of engagement in education and training across the region to better support emerging opportunities and industries, to build a workforce for the future

Workforce – work with educational institutions, employment agencies and government to build a comprehensive database that will enable the region to prepare for regional workforce opportunities and challenges Encourage informed investment in the region and ensure community preparedness, i e housing, transport, services

Housing – supporting local councils and the development industry to provide housing that simultaneously meets the needs of a changing community, enhances liveability for the incoming and host communities, protects against urban sprawl and respects the character and identity of our towns and landscapes This will build on ongoing planning reform measures through a co-ordinated strategy of education, advocacy and research and assistance to councils in urban and landscape design.

Renewable Energy – supporting renewable energy generation and advocating for new industries and the growth and development of existing industries through engagement with private proponents and government business enterprises.

REQUEST:

$1,000,000 total investment over 3 years.

Regionally Important Projects

An Investment Logic Map – a program logic to inform the development of a Regional Investment Framework (RIF) was created during the implementation of the RFP.

The RIF is used to identify projects of regional importance and to inform advocacy and lobbying undertaken by CCA on behalf of the region. The Regionally Important Project list is reviewed by CCA’s Member Councils annually. CCA does not allocate funding to these projects and this is not a funding process

Regionally Important Projects list:

Cradle Mountain Master Plan

HIF Tasmania eFuels Facility

Green hydrogen in the north-west –Whaleback Ridge

Don River Railway Expansion

Tayatea Walking Trail

Table Cape Resort

SHARED COASTAL PATHWAY

In 2010, CCA in conjunction with Safer Roads for Cyclists Tasmania, released the North West Coastal Pathway Plan; the plan outlined alternatives for constructing approximately 110 km of shared pathway to connect the communities of the north-west coast of Tasmania.

Today, 14 years later, the pathway almost covers the coast from Latrobe to Sulphur Creek, but our vision is for the pathway to cover the region from Latrobe to Smithton with connections within each coastal town and beyond the coast to satellite settlements.

The Shared Coastal Pathway is an active transport network that encourages both locals and visitors to get out of their cars and use alternative modes of transport to explore the region To achieve this vision, we need to ensure that the path is easy to access, safe to use and accessible to as many people as possible

Tasmania’s public health statistics indicate that a significant number of people in our community are suffering due to a lack of adequate physical activity The economic benefit to society of getting an inactive person to walk or cycle is calculated between $5,000 and $7,000/year. The economic benefit to society of getting an active person to walk or cycle is between $850 and $2,550/year. The obesity epidemic alone is now estimated to cost Australia $1.3 billion/year. One heart attack is estimated to cost in the vicinity of $400,000 in direct and indirect costs

Additionally, as the region within Tasmania with the highest use of private vehicles and a logistics corridor, any measures to reduce dependence on cars should assist the State Government in the reduction of emissions and improve general health and wellbeing

Stage 1: Maximising the Shared Coastal Pathway experience

Our challenge is to increase local usage of the pathway and, where possible, increase visitors to the region’s usage It has to be more than a “nice place to walk or ride”

Anecdotal evidence indicates that usage has exceeded expectations, but our next challenge is to build on that momentum.

Data: While the State Government is currently developing guiding documents related to cycle and walking infrastructure, CCA wants to know more about usage patterns, user profiles and users’ needs, as this is critical to making informed decisions for the future.

Promotion: CCA will undertake a series of initiatives and promotions that will create a culture that normalises active transport with coastal residents leaving their cars at home and using the pathway to commute to work or connect to alternative transport, i.e. ‘park and ride.’ In addition, CCA would like to work with local schools to encourage students to walk or ride in the belief that change begins with the next generation

Safe places: To increase usage, Shared Coastal Pathways need to be safe spaces for all users Early feedback indicates that users of the pathway also require safe and secure places to leave their bicycles both short-term and long-term CCA will undertake research into lock-up models used both internationally and nationally.

Signage: It is no longer enough to place a few signs at the beginning and the end of the pathways – users want comprehensive and consistent signage supported by way-finding technology.

SHARED COASTAL PATHWAY

Web support: The signage will be supported by a web app that provides users with important information such as distances between stops, park and ride facilities, health and wellbeing tips, cultural and environmental content In the future, revenue may be generated by selling advertising space on the app.

The app will be facilitated by interactive mapping, encouraging users to engage in physical activity by facilitating journey planning, connectivity, and breaks.

Stage 2: Closing the gaps – identify incomplete sections of the Shared Coastal pathways

There are a number of unresolved issues that still need to be considered including ‘closing the gaps’ and identifying ‘spine and ribs ’

While recognising that there are engineering and construction challenges for the incomplete sections, a pathway is not a pathway when there are missing links

Further investigation and feasibility may provide a solution to addressing the physical constraints of cliffs/road/highway/rail line and places where high tide marks do not accommodate the space required for the shared pathway.

Lonah, Lodders Point, Three Sisters Island Reserve and some sections between Penguin and Goat Island

East of Burnie: Round Hill, Titan Point, Chasm Creek Don Heads (east side) to Coles Beach

Stage 3: Spine and Ribs – identifying opportunities for potential new connections to the Shared Coastal Pathways.

The Spine:

The Shared Coastal Pathway must cover the Cradle Coast from Latrobe to Smithton and beyond to the West Coast

Building connections to the pathway

To maximise the usage of the Shared Coastal Pathway and unlock the full benefits of the infrastructure, CCA will work with Councils, community and current users to identify additional connection points – to satellite settlements, tourist attractions, other recreation, park and ride sites and urban connections via footpaths and urban streets

These linkages are intended to connect to the pathway spine and make it easier for people to change their riding and walking habits. The result will be a plan that can be used for future pathway extension.

Wynyard to Stanley

Subject to the outcomes of the Feasibility Study, CCA believes that the proposed trail from Wynyard to Smithton is a natural extension of the North West Coastal Pathway

Developing this section will create a continuous 175 km plus trail, connecting towns across the north-west region, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and creating a significant tourism and recreational infrastructure project.

Smithton to Stanley

CCA will investigate the option of a shared trail from Smithton to Stanley, or the inclusion of this link in the above-mentioned trail.

REQUEST:

Stage 1 $100,000

Stage 2 $600,000

Stage 3 $250,000

BUILDING CLIMATE-RESILIENT COMMUNITIES, REDUCING EMISSIONS AND PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN THE CRADLE COAST

The Cradle Coast region faces the challenges of the observed and projected effects of climate change and increased threats to natural values. Addressing these challenges occurs over multiple scales, from Australian and State Government policy to implementation of local action in building resilience, mitigating localised effects, council and community-led emission reductions and the preservation of natural values

Local governments are not resourced with the expertise and capacity to address these challenges, but all share the need to lead their communities in on-ground action

Feedback from CCA’s community stakeholders and Member Councils is that building this capacity is urgently needed to create liveable communities and preserve natural values for future generations.

Examples of the services that would be delivered:

Assist councils in the development and implementation of strategies for climate resilience.

Provide assistance in developing cost-effective projects to reduce emissions and work towards net zero targets.

Provide advice on effective implementation of planning and land use strategies

Provide expert advice on localised climate and biodiversity management

Assist councils in seeking funding and grant applications.

Assist councils in maintaining critical habitats for threatened species.

Deliver and facilitate training to council employees and contractors

Provide assistance with critical local projects outside of current funding structures.

REQUEST:

$450,000 total investment over 2 years.

Image: Climate Change Office, ReCFIT

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Cradle Coast Authority is one of 54 natural resource management (NRM) organisations in Australia and one of three in Tasmania (alongside NRM North and NRM South). The role of NRM organisations is to protect, sustainably manage and improve natural resources for the shared environment and cultural, social, and economic benefit of the community.

A proposal has been made for a joint funding request for Tasmanian NRM to secure core funding. This request has been provided in addition to this statement.

CAT MANAGEMENT

Cradle Coast NRM (CCNRM) collaborates with NRM North and NRM South to assist Councils in implementing the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan and enhancing domestic and stray cat management throughout Tasmania. The TassieCat Project is a Tasmanian Government-funded initiative.

Current limitations to cat management in the Cradle Coast region are:

No ongoing support for community desexing –

Desexing is a vital strategy to reduce the number of cats that may become stray or feral

CCA has initiated free desexing programs with 6 of 9 councils in the region, with $5,000 co-contributions. The program is administered by the National Desexing Network. There has been an overwhelming response, highlighting the importance of such supportive programs

Since the program launch in January 2024, 120+ vouchers have been issued across the 5 councils, with 40 cats in Devonport already desexed.

The cost and access to a vet for desexing and microchipping are prohibitive in areas like the West Coast where vets are available only once a week.

REQUEST:

Extension of the Desexing Program for two additional rounds for seven councils.

$140,000 total investment over 2 years.

No easy access to a cat management facility –

Having access to a cat management facility enables residents to safely surrender unwanted cats or kittens, reducing the number of abandoned and stray cats in the community. The only facility in the Cradle Coast region is located in Spreyton which the RSPCA has advised will be closing soon

There are no recognised rescue groups in the region; a new facility could serve as a base for potential community outreach programs and cat colony management.

Just Cats Tasmania has expressed a willingness to open another shelter in Burnie and has submitted a State Budget Submission for 2024-25 CCA strongly supports this submission.

Figure: Tasmanian NRM regions

CIRCULAR HEAD ROADKILL MITIGATION PROJECT NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Tasmanian devils have suffered a significant reduction in population due to Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), with local density declines up to 82%

The largest disease-free devil population is in the far north-west of Tasmania at Woolnorth, but sadly, diseased devils were recorded close by in 2023

Roadkill is a serious threat to small populations affected by DFTD, and thanks to caring community members sending data to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program (STDP), we know that the Montagu-Woolnorth area has one of the highest rates of devil roadkill in the state.

In 2021, Circular Head Council and Cradle Coast NRM formed a Working Group made up of Woolnorth Road users who discuss and implement methods to reduce roadkill.

The Circular Head Roadkill Mitigation Working Group (CHRMWG) has implemented a suite of actions already and has prepared a list of further options that we now seek funding to deliver:

A part-time CCNRM project coordinator to deliver roadkill mitigation options in partnership with the CHRMWG over two years

Continuation of CCNRM’s community education and awareness program for two years.

A trial of roadside lighting to improve driver visibility and reduce wildlife interactions at the Harcus River Road intersection

Daily roadkill monitoring and removal to reduce the risk of devils and other carnivores looking for food on the road corridor.

Training and support for the community wildlife carer network.

REQUEST:

Implementation of Circular Head prioirity roadkill mitigation measures

$395,000 seed funding investment ($505,000 required) for a two-year project.

Devil habitat protection and improvement in the area including support for the formalisation of the Van Dairy Devil Conservation Area

Innovative electronic road signs and modifications to alert drivers to roadkill black spots

Modifications to infrastructure to provide wildlife crossings below road bridges and guide animals away from roads, improve driver visibility and alert animals to approaching vehicles

Facilitate a Fund (with $395k government seed funding) for industry and philanthropic contributionstarget of $505k for the activities listed

Image: David Bellamy

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

COASTAL WETLANDS PROTECTION PROGRAM

The primary objective of this project is to improve the condition and protection of tidal sandflats, mudflats and coastal wetlands, specifically targeting Robbins Passage/Boullanger Bay, Rubicon – Port Sorrel Estuary, and the Mersey River. This will be achieved by treating and removing the invasive species Rice Grass (Spartina anglica) and educating the Circular Head community on the ways that we can minimise disturbances to shorebirds

Program objectives:

Continue to manage and protect previously treated coastal saltmarsh, sandflats and mudflats to prevent the re-establishment of Rice Grass.

Extend treatment efforts to reduce the impact of Rice Grass in Robbins PassageBoullanger Bay, the Rubicon – Port Sorell Estuary, and the Mersey River

Identify and address new Rice Grass infestations early to prevent establishment Raise awareness and promote behavioural change in the community through workshops and education to minimise human impact on vulnerable shorebirds.

Facilitate collaboration with experts and stakeholders to guide weed eradication strategies

Undertake research and monitoring initiatives to assess the project's impact on the ecosystem and guide adaptive management.

REQUEST:

Robbins Passage/ Boullanger Bay

This proposal seeks funding for Rice Grass treatment and maintenance in the Robbins Passage/ Boullanger Bay area located in Circular Head municipality.

Maintain the current 860 ha of treated Rice Grass areas.

Undertake aerial and ground-based treatments to control the remaining Rice Grass areas.

Community engagement activities about migratory birds.

$270,000

Rubicon – Port Sorell Estuary

This proposal seeks funding for Rice Grass treatment and maintenance in the Rubicon – Port Sorell Estuary located in the Latrobe municipality.

Maintain the current 525 ha of treated Rice Grass areas

Undertake aerial and ground-based treatments to control 120 ha of the larger 225 ha infestation

Undertake fish population monitoring and community engagement.

$590,000

Mersey River

This proposal seeks funding for Rice Grass treatment and maintenance in the Mersey River located in the Devonport City municipality.

Undertake aerial and ground-based treatments to control approximately 54 ha of Rice Grass area.

Community engagement activities about migratory and resident threatened species.

$330,000

1-3 Spring Street

PO Box 338

Burnie, Tasmania, 7320

www.cradlecoast.com