Empowering the region through strategic partnerships in readiness for the future. Making our region an even better place to work, visit, learn and invest.
CRADLE COAST AUTHORITY
Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) was established in 1999 It is jointly owned by eight regional Councils, with the purpose of building a stronger region
Our goal is a strong and sustainable region, brought to life through the collaboration of resilient councils In this joint effort, residents, businesses, and government witness the real benefits of investing in the CCA model, simply put as ‘stronger councils, 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-west 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
KEY PRIORITIES
A ROADMAP TO REGIONAL PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT
Creating the type of place where businesses, industry and government want to invest now and into the future, and equally, people want to live, work, learn and play.
REQUEST:
$1,500,000 over 3 years
THE CLEAN ENERGY SKILLS AND TRAINING NETWORK
Cradle Coast Authority is proposing to activate the Clean Energy Skills and Training Network to optimise our region’s multimillion dollar investment in renewable energy
REQUEST:
$525,000
SHARED COASTAL PATHWAY
To complete the vision of a fully connected and sustainable Shared Coastal Pathway
REQUEST:
Maximising the Shared Coastal Pathway’s Impact $1,000,000
Incomplete sections $300,000
DING CLIMATE-SMART RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
gional strategic plan for adaptive and resilient communities.
UEST: ,000 over 2 years
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Cradle Coast NRM has identified five projects seeking funding or federal support
REQUEST:
Small grants program to help farmers achieve sustainability accreditation $450,000 over 3 years.
Roadkill mitigation for Tassie Devils $395,000 over 2 years. Ramsar nomination of Circular Head Coastal Wetlands Saltmarsh restoration of Circular Head and Rubicon Estuary Wetlands $860,000 over 3 years.
Removal of fish barriers to restore river connectivity $500,000 over 3 years.
REGIONALLY IMPORTANT PROJECTS
The Regional Investment Evaluation Process provides a systematic approach to identifying and securing support for Regionally Important Projects
To view the list please click here.
A ROADMAP TO REGIONAL PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT
A cohesive and impactful investment plan to support the Cradle Coast region to transition to a net zero future economy
The Cradle Coast Region is the epicentre of renewable energy in Tasmania, both now and in the future
The roadmap is a way to ensure that the transition takes account of the diverse and productive communities and economies of Tasmania’s West Coast, North West Coast, and King Island, which make a substantial contribution to both Australian and Tasmanian economies.
The ask: $1.5 million over three years.
Why: Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) will work with Counci and community to deliver strategic advice and planning to unlock economic and industry benefits of the move to net zero and support a future made in Australia.
For CCA, this presents an opportunity to create a ‘future made for the Cradle Coast region of Tasmania’ – built on our rich and diverse manufacturing, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, forestry and industrial productivity and traditions of innovation, drive and determination
How: CCA will scope out a pathway to regional prosperity by:
Collecting, correlating and mobilising both qualitative and quantitative data.
Listen to the voice of the community, increase engagement with business and industry.
This is about ensuring that the transition to a future made on the Cradle Coast benefits all:
Attract talented, creative and innovative individuals and businesses to relocate to the region
Creating a more secure future made in and for the Cradle Coast region.
Growing a skilled workforce that will drive economic growth and ensure long-term sustainability – jobs, jobs and more jobs. Increasing productivity and workforce participation by addressing intergenerational poverty and poor health, improving the provision of services, and focusing on education participation and training.
The roadmap and supporting plans will activate existing regional assets, bring together current initiatives, and build comprehensive data sets to: inform future regional priorities; initiate regional responses to government policy; and, drive regional advocacy
CCA has the capacity to lead a wellmanaged transition to a net zero economy:
CCA is a regional development and advocacy organisation supported by 8 regional Councils, as well as Federal and State Governments.
For over 25 years, CCA has delivered regional projects, advocated and lobbied for regional priorities, facilitated and led community conversations and built strong networks and partnerships.
CCA is supported by strong governance and accountability CCA’s Regional Economic Development Committee identifies, prioritises, and advocates for regional industry and infrastructure needs on behalf of the region Through this process, it has built strong relationships with all levels of government.
In recent years, with Federal and State Government support, CCA has invested in community conversations, challenging others to look for innovative solutions to long-term problems.
CCA’s scope goes beyond economic development to environmental and natural resource management, as well as ongoing high-level engagement with multiple diverse stakeholders, including both community and proponents:
Through ongoing engagement with Councils, business and industry, and local community groups, including Indigenous groups, we have commenced the process of identifying and defining the required benefits and support while collaborating to create a positive narrative that can ease community tension and reduce conflict
Through continued conversations and regular community and Council forums, we will build goodwill and a realisation of the benefits that exist when we have genuine commitment to work together It is time for the Cradle Coast region to take an active role in shaping the future.
Cradle Coast NRM works to protect, sustainably manage and improve natural resources for the shared environmental, cultural, social and economic benefit of the community.
There are new jobs and opportunities for the region in the changing global economic and strategic landscape:
We are rapidly emerging as a centre for renewable energy development, with existing and new wind farms along with significant pumped hydro energy storage potential.
Our region has an estimated $10+ billion in investment-ready renewable projects and an unknown number of related industries and businesses waiting to press ‘go’ once there is certainty.
Regional communities face landscape changes, workforce shortages, and a greater need for physical and social infrastructure – this must be part of the conversation.
This roadmap will bring certainty and confidence during the transition by supporting existing and new businesses through: attracting investments; creating new industry partnerships and generating future jobs in advanced manufacturing; creating downstream economic benefits for our local Councils and communities; protecting and managing our natural assets; ensuring the community’s voice is heard; and creating a narrative to support the transition
CCA has completed the preliminary research to support this roadmap and is well positioned to take the next steps with support from the CCA Board and Committees, local Councils, Business Northwest, Clean Energy Tasmania, University of Tasmania, renewable energy proponents and a number of community organisations Early work has identified local and regional priorities, future opportunities and challenges
Federal funding will enable CCA to support our region and its communities to be better prepared for the future. Additionally, CCA has been actively involved in conversations and consultation around Community Benefit Sharing, and the social responsibilities that should flow from this
Creating the type of place where businesses, industry and government want to invest now and into the future, and equally, people want to live, work, learn and play.
Factors that contribute to quality of life and build a strong resilient region:
For more information on the 'areas of focus' click here
ACTIVATING THE CLEAN ENERGY SKILLS AND TRAINING NETWORK
The Tasmanian and Federal Government are partnering to deliver a Tasmanian Clean Energy Centre of Excellence at TasTAFE’s Burnie campus. The centre will focus on renewable energy skills, partnering with industry to ensure Tasmania develops a workforce ready to meet the huge demand for skilled workers during the transition to net zero.
The ask: $525,000 to develop a Clean Energy Skills and Training Network
Why: The message from renewable energy proponents is clear – Tasmania currently lacks the workforce required by the industry. To fully realise the economic benefits of transitioning to net zero, we must build a skilled workforce for the future and connect our community to this remarkable opportunity
How: CCA will map our region’s education assets to uncover opportunities for a flexible and supportive skills and training network. By integrating insights from learners, the renewable energy sector, existing industries, and the community, we will ensure that the Centre of Excellence investment delivers meaningful and sustainable outcomes that meet current and future needs.
We will build on Tasmania’s Independent Education Review and design a model to maximise education, workforce and capability across industries This will position our region as a leader in clean energy education by leveraging its strategic position and established network
Partners: Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP), University of Tasmania (UTAS), TasTAFE, Registered Training Organisations, energy proponents and industry
We will provide solutions and identify opportunities for schools, training centers, and other education providers to share resources and work together. It uses existing buildings and programs to create clear learning support mechanisms for students. This network will make sure that education meets the needs of local communities
The premise is to leverage the region's significant renewable energy potential and existing industrial strengths to capitalise on the $15+ billion worth of clean energy projects already in the pipeline, including: eFuels, wind, solar, hydrogen, community battery, Hydro Tasmania "Battery of the Nation," and the Marinus Link interconnector
The network will explore this by leveraging the Study Hub network, Trade Training Centres, regional schools and other educational institutions that will benefit from a collaborative, coordinated and flexible approach. This will activate hard and soft education and workforce infrastructure that is sustainable, dynamic, integrated and responsive to the needs of the community and industry
SHARED COASTAL PATHWAY
A Regional Tourism, Health and Community Connection Initiative
The Shared Coastal Pathway is a key infrastructure initiative aimed at providing an accessible, sustainable, and health-promoting active transport network along the north-west coast of Tasmania
Since the early 2000s, the Shared Coastal Pathway has been a major regional priority for the nine Councils that formed the Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) to plan, advocate, lobby for and help fund a 110 km North West Coastal Shared Pathway from Wynyard in the North West through Burnie, Penguin, Ulverstone, Devonport and on to Latrobe in the East.
In 2010, CCA, in conjunction with Safer Roads for Cyclists Tasmania, released the North West Coastal Pathway Plan, outlining the alternatives for constructing the pathway To date, except for two unfunded/unbuilt sections, the greater Pathway has been constructed. However, our longer-term goal is to expand the pathway to connect the region from Latrobe to Smithton, including links within each coastal town and extending to nearby satellite communities
The Shared Coastal Pathway serves as an active transport network that encourages both locals and visitors to leave their cars behind and explore the region through alternative modes of transport. To realise this vision, it is essential that the path is completed, easily accessible, safe to use, and inclusive for as many people as possible Tasmania's public health statistics reveal that many individuals in our community are affected by inadequate physical activity levels.
Outcomes and Benefits of the Shared Coastal Pathway
This pathway connects coastal communities, encourages physical activity, reduces car dependency, and provides a major boost to tourism and local economies.
Health & Wellbeing: Encouraging active transport will improve public health and reduce healthcare costs.
Environmental Impact: By reducing car dependency, we can help reduce emissions and contribute to Tasmania’s climate goals.
Economic Growth: Promotes local tourism and small business growth, while also generating job opportunities in construction and maintenance.
Community Connectivity: Increase accessibility for residents and visitors, creating a more connected and vibrant region.
Maximising the Shared Coastal Pathway’s impact
The ask: $1 million to maximise the Shared Coastal Pathway’s potential.
The Shared Coastal Pathway is an important community asset that has already exceeded expectations in terms of usage
To build on this success and act as an important tourism attractor, targeted federal funding will allow CCA and our Council partners to transform the Pathway into a regional tourism landmark that drives local engagement, attracts interstate and intrastate tourism and encourages business investment
The next phase of the Shared Coastal Pathway requires a regional strategic approach, focusing on branding and promotional initiatives - particularly for tourism, community engagement, safety improvements, data collection and digital support
Branding and visual identity: A clear tourism landmark identity is required for the Shared Coastal Pathway. With federal funding, CCA will work with Councils and the community to develop the following:
Logo and style: Develop a logo and branding that reflects the pathway and owner Councils.
Signage: Design and install consistent signage, including wayfinding, safety reminders and interpretive boards showcasing historical, natural and scientific information
Storytelling: Using the natural and man made features of the Pathway to tell the story of the region.
Safety enhancements: Implement safety measures such as:
Secure bike storage: Install lockable bike racks at public transport stops, main entry points and rest areas.
Bike repair stations: Provide self-service bike repair stations. Include clear instructions for common repairs
Clear signage: Provide directional and safety signs, including speed limits, shared-use guidelines, and emergency contact information.
Safety upgrades: Address high-risk areas with better lighting and visibility improvements.
Promotion and marketing: Active promotion will increase visitor awareness and encourage local usage:
Tourism marketing: Collaborate with regional tourism body West by North West to feature the Pathway in tourism campaigns
Social media campaigns: Create a dedicated social media platform for the Pathway to share user stories and promote events. In early 2025, CCA launched a social media campaign to raise community awareness and support for the Pathway, including a user survey. Federal funding will allow CCA and collaborating partners to expand local social media campaigns into a more comprehensive, targeted digital campaign to inform, promote, and encourage intra- and interstate visitors to visit the region and experience the unique Coastal Pathway and connected places and related trail bike experiences at Railton / Latrobe, Penguin, and West Coast, Tasmania.
Active transport campaigns: Collaborate with schools and workplaces to promote walking and cycling in order to improve community health and connections within the region.
Data collection: Understanding user behaviour will inform future improvements.
User surveys: Federal funding will allow CCA to conduct regular surveys to gather feedback on pathway experiences and preferences
Usage analytics: Federal funding would be used to install counters and sensors to track usage patterns, peak times, and user demographics to help hone the visitor experience throughout the whole Pathway journey.
Digital support: Importantly, Federal funding would support the development of a Shared Coastal Pathway Web App to support pathway users with:
Interactive maps: Includes maps showing distances, points of interest, park and ride locations and amenities.
Health and wellness tips: Offer guidance for users to meet their goals.
Advertising revenue: allows local businesses to advertise on the platform, creating a sustainable funding source for maintenance and upgrades
Proposal funding break-down:
Branding and signage: $200,000
Safety upgrades: $150,000
Promotional campaigns: $175,000
Data collection and analytics: $150,000
Web development: $150,000
Personnel: $150,000
Contingency: $25,000
Incomplete sections and potential new connections
The ask: $300,000 for addressing incomplete sections (feasibility study).
In addition, CCA requests a Federal Government, in principle funding guarantee, for the complete construction of the pathway, contingent upon the outcomes of feasibility studies and design development. Estimated construction cost of $75 million.
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 will 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.
Stage 1 (c). Needs: Funding Design
Stage 1 (a). Needs: Feasibility study
Funding Design Stage 1 (b).
Needs: Funding Design
ProgressKey
Completedpathway
Proposedpathway,feasibility studiesunder/completed
Proposedpathway,feasibility studiesneeded
Wynyard
Burne
Ulverstone
BUILDING CLIMATE-SMART RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
Cradle Coast Councils and the broader community face significant liability associated with intensifying climate change. Across the north-west, west coast, and King Island local governments are being asked to confidently lead their communities to maintain resilient, liveable communities and environments While the capacity of Councils to respond varies, the rapid pace of climatic change and growing uncertainty demands that there must be an investment in building Councils’ capacity.
This project will deliver services alongside a Regional Strategic Plan and give the region proactive insurance against climate threats and a clear pathway towards mitigation and resilience
The ask: $450,000 over 2 years.
Why: The Cradle Coast region faces current and projected climate change challenges, including threats to biodiversity and natural values, critical infrastructure, housing, and local industries When compared with national risk, the magnitude of liability is exceptionally high for the Cradle Coast region, with sea level rise threatening coastal communities, elevated extreme bushfire risk endangering protected flora and fauna, and increased frequency of strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm events potentially crippling key industries and key infrastructure
Feedback from Cradle Coast Authority’s member councils and the regional community shows the need for consistent, professional support to build council and community capacity to preserve both our built environment and natural environment for future generations As local governments struggle to keep pace, we need to assist in preserving our liveable communities
How: Federal funding will assist Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) to equip Councils with the expertise, means and certainty to face climate change threats and unite Councils to develop a Regional Strategic Plan for Adaptive and Resilient Communities
Cradle Coast NRM’s Biodiversity and Agricultural Natural Capital Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Plan provides a clear direction for the Cradle Coast region in response to emergency climate and biodiversity scenarios However, this must be translated into a set of strategies and clearly defined actions by all Councils if we are to minimise harm to local livelihoods, communities, and the economy.
A Regional Strategic Plan for Adaptive and Resilient Communities coordinated by CCA will guide local governments to pursue state and national initiatives The Plan will support Councils to curate a place-based response.
Services delivered through this response, are dependent on Council-determined priorities, these may include:
Empowering community through a focus on increased awareness and preparedness.
Assistance for Councils to develop and implement tailored climate resilience strategies
Development of collaborative, cost-effective projects which reduce emissions and work towards federal and state net zero targets.
Council access to expert advice on effective implementation of place-based and sustainable planning and land use strategies
Locally informed advice on climate and biodiversity management to support protection of important regional and local natural values.
Assistance for Councils seeking funding and grant applications to ensure maximised external support for community priorities.
Facilitation of training for Council employees and contractors on self-determined subject matters to deliver consistent best-practice remediation, protection and maintenance of critical habitats and threatened species.
Support for critical local projects aligned with the aims of the Regional Strategic Plan for adaptive and resilient communities which currently sit outside of funding structures
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) 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 mana and improve natural resources for the shared environment a cultural, social, and economic benefit of the community.
Cradle Coast NRM is guided by the 2030 NRM Strategy and th three identified themes: Land, Biodiversity and Water.
LAND:
Small grants program to help farmers achieve sustainability accreditation
The ask: $450,000 ($150,000 per year for 3 years) to deliver a small grants program to help farmers achieve sustainability accreditation and access market-based incentives through:
Fencing riparian buffer zones and high value ecological communities
Weed and pest removal
Revegetation works, including shelter belts.
On-farm natural capital and emissions reduction planning.
The Cradle Coast region produces 60% of Tasmania’s dairy products and 65% of Tasmania’s fruits and crops, positioning the region as an essential leader of climate-smart agriculture nationally. This program will assist Australia to achieve emission reduction targets while improving biodiversity and enhancing agricultural production.
BIODIVERSITY:
Roadkill mitigation for Tassie Devils
The ask: $395,000 for a 2-year project to support the Circular Head Roadkill Mitigation Action Working Group (CHRMAWG) to reduce the number of endangered Tasmanian Devils killed on the roads of the Woolnorth area. Woolnorth is home to a large population of Tasmanian Devils, but has one of the highest rates of devil roadkill in the state.
The CHRMAWG would use federal funding as seed funding alongside contributions from road users to deliver priority actions including:
Community education and awareness programs to increase public understanding of the issue.
A trial of roadside lighting to improve driver visibility and safety.
Innovative electronic road signs and modifications to alert drivers to wildlife
Roadkill monitoring and removal to reduce devils finding food on the road corridor
Devil habitat protection and improvement to improve conservation outcomes.
Infrastructure modifications to provide wildlife crossings and alert animals to approaching vehicles
Image:DavdBelamy
WATER:
Ramsar nomination of Circular Head Coastal Wetlands
The ask: federal support for the Ramsar nomination of the Circular Head Coastal Wetlands (Robbins PassageBoullanger Bay). A Ramsar listing would recognise and help protect the natural values of these biodiversity-rich and globally significant wetlands for future generations.
The nomination aligns with nature positive initiatives and can co-exist with renewable energy developments and other socio-economic activities in the area. CCNRM is committed to investing $150,000 from internal funds to facilitate the preparation of the nomination documents, contingent upon formal support from the state government.
Saltmarsh restoration of Circular Head and Rubicon Estuary Wetlands
The ask: $860,000 over 3 years for saltmarsh restoration, building on years of investment in Circular Head and the Rubicon-Port Sorell Estuary coastal wetlands. This nature positive initiative aims to control new infestations of Spartina anglica (Rice Grass) and prevent reestablishment in previously treated areas Saltmarsh ecosystems rapidly recolonise with native plant species once invasive species are removed, allowing for ecological recovery within three years. This is based on monitoring work from previous projects conducted by CCA and UTAS.
This project would involve aerial and ground-based treatments to treat infestations and prevent re-establishment of Rice Grass across:
860 ha of Robbins Passage/Boullanger Bay.
525 ha of Rubicon-Port Sorell Estuary
Removal of fish barriers to restore river connectivity
The ask: $500,000 over 3 years to restore fish passage in north-west Tasmanian rivers
Recent GIS analysis has identified more than 400 potential fish barriers (e.g., weirs, crossings, farm dams) within north-west Tasmanian rivers. Fish barriers prevent migratory movement and restrict habitat for threatened species, such as Australian Grayling, Estuary Perch, Giant Freshwater Crayfish and native galaxiids
This project will fund on-ground works (e.g., fish ladders, modifications, removal) to reopen migratory pathways for native fish at priority locations, supporting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience
References
NRM 2030 – Cradle Coast Regional Priorities in 2030 NRM Strategy Cradle Coast BRAL – National Objectives in Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientist (2024) Blueprint to Repair Australia’s Landscapes.
