2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report - Q2

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.

Internal stakeholder engagement this quarter was limited due to the local government elections and subsequent appointment of a large number of new Councillors and Mayors. This had an impact on CCA’s participation in council workshops, membership of the Representative Group, election of Chief Representative, Deputy Chief Representative, and nomination of mayoral representatives to the CCA Board. Stakeholder engagement was further limited by the by the retirement and appointment of Board directors.

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

Jarred Ransom, the Enterprize Manager Cradle Coast and Corporate Partnerships, has been busy meeting with Councils and Community Groups and hosting a series of events for Start- Up Founders and entrepreneurs. Event topics include entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, defence and advanced manufacturing networking, as well as skills development events such as pitch nights. Additionally, Enterprize has commenced outreach to schools across the Cradle Coast to encourage and support participation in 2023’s Big Ideas Challenge. More formal launch events will be held in Devonport and Burnie early in the new year and we encourage all Councils to register and learn more about what Enterprize has to offer.

Although the Truckwash and Effluent Project does continue to be challenging, CCA was pleased to receive formal notification that the new Australian Government will continue to support the Project. Working has now restarted with the stakeholder groups for three of the four sites and work has recommenced on the Grant Deed. There is a complication in the deed which is currently being worked through with support from Senator Urquhart.

The NRM team received notification late in the Quarter that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry had opened the tender process calling for Regional Delivery Partners to provide environmental protection, sustainable agriculture and natural resource management services to the region. Submissions close on 7th March. The co- design of projects does not commence until June and in the interim the NRM are working on completing their RLP projects.

The Regional Plan Group (RPG) is now established and have been working on proposed amendments to Cradle Coast Regional Land Use Strategy, a brief for a Regional Residential Supply and Demand Study and workplan for the next few years. In addition, the governance model has been developed and will be implemented in Q3.

It is very pleasing to note that another section of the Coastal Pathways is nearing completion and with that comes growing public requests for more pathways. An up to date infographic of the Coastal Pathway progress can be found on the Cradle Coast Coastal Pathway homepage.

The highly successful ‘Seedlab Sisters Cradle Coast Program’ a joint initiative between Seedlab, Swinburne Centre for Social Interaction and CCA and supported by the Tasmanian Government concluded – with over 60 women having participated in the program. The program sought to inspire entrepreneurial women interested in agri-food business to develop the confidence, skills and networks necessary to support the development of their enterprise

As a lean organisation CCA is focused on building strong internal and external partnerships – it is about what we can achieve when we work together efficiently and effectively in partnership for the Cradle Coast Region.

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

Best

wishes, Sheree Vertigan AM BA MEd Chief Executive Officer

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

VISION, PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLES

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.

We experiment, reflect, and innovate –we constantly ask ourselves “how can we do this better”?

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report

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.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region.

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

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

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

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

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

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

Quantitative measure: Qualitative assessment:

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

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

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

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategy 1 – Regional Economic Development

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

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

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

• Review of Projects of Regional Importance paused due to the appointment of new Chair

• Review of key reference materials (Housing Report) provided considerable publicity for CCA

• CCA has been invited to work with Councils on a local interpretation of the report and to identify next steps

• Submissions completed for the upcoming State Budget I.e implementation of Stage 2 of RFP

• Housing Report shared with Federal Senator Anne Urquhart and CCA asked to make a submission for further funding to support a more extensive interrogation of the data and its implications

On track

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

• Natural Resource Management is incorporated where appropriate into all work undertaken by the Authority ie. Planning review, development of the Regional Land Use Strategy and sustainable construction and development project.

On track

ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

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

Activity this quarter Status

• The next meeting of the regional development officers has been scheduled for Q3.

• Regional Economic Development Coordinator to work with officers to identify themes and key issues and ensure value.

• Preparation are continuing for the REDC to host or facilitate a number of forums including joint logistics project/forum, health forum

• Maintain regular connections and participation with Business Northwest and Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry were appropriate and relevant.

• State Growth representatives are formally members of the Regional Economic Development Committee and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem however State Growth provide regular informal updates of relevant policy and CCA provides input upon request.

• CEO met with State Growth Rep to discuss budget submissions and CCA involvement in regional partnerships.

• The CEO is a member of RDA Tasmania Committee and other members of the CCA meet regularly with the regional economic development coordinator.

• Building strong ties with Business Events Tasmania, Northern Tasmania Development Corporation, Southern Tasmania Development Corporation, and West by North-West through the provision of input and support on projects. Investigating the possibility of working together on a number of projects in Q3 and Q4

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

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

• Seedlab Sisters Cradle Coast Program complete and summary report published and available for download. On track

1.2 Continue to deliver funded Regional Economic Development projects.

Manage and deliver Regional Economic Development projects including:

Constructing the coastal pathways

Farm Vehicle Washdown and Effluent Dumping Facilities

• Harding’s Hot Mix completed the Sulphur Creek to Penguin section prior to Christmas.

• TasRail called a meeting of all contractors to discuss a construction plan for the installation of the new culvert at the top of Lillico straight.

• 30% of the West Ulverstone section has been completed by Treloars Contracting.

• Confirmation received that Stage 2 of the Project will be funded

• Additional $400,000 requested for the Smithton Truckwash prior to election confirmed but will be a separate contract with the Australian Government

• Good progress has been made on three of the four sites. Minna Road MOU signed, awaiting DA, Smithton and Stanley are ready to go.

• In conversation with Federal Senator to negotiate if the sites can be developed sequentially rather than simultaneously or if King Island can be part of a separate stage.

On track

Major delays

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report – Q2 7

ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub

• “Career Stories” videos published to Future Energy Hub website.

• Horizons International Engagement Program successfully completed.

• Successful application to Leading Australian Resilient Communities program.

• Whaleback Ridge Energy Park (Project Renewable Future) assessed and added to list of Projects of Regional Importance

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report – Q2

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategy 2 – Natural Resource

Management

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity

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

this quarter Status

• Implementation Plan currently being drafted On track

2.2 Continue to deliver funded NRM projects Manage and deliver NRM projects including: Australian Government Programs:

Coastal Saltmarsh Recovery in Robbins Passage and Surrounds

Giant Freshwater Crayfish Recovery

• Covenant landholder has commenced planting with 500 plants put into ground.

• Rice Grass subcontractor planning undertaken with spraying to begin after Christmas

• Biannual GFC Reference Committee Meeting held in Launceston and chaired by NRM North

• 1.9km of fencing completed along left bank of Duck River as part of GFC project

• Major impacts on GFC projects (fencing and revegetation) in the Leven River and Inglis River catchments from October flood events

• End of project monitoring completed with Todd Walsh in Black and Detention River catchments

Minor Delays

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

Enhancing King Island Brown Thornbill habitat patches for future corridors

• Three on-ground projects currently being scoped as demonstration sites in the Barrier Creek target area on King Island’s east coast.

• Delays incurred due to difficulties in procuring a fencing contractor, who are both limited in supply and in demand on the island.

• The Project Officer, contracted through KI Landcare Group, showcased the project at a KI Beef Day event in October.

• Landholder survey produced and circulated to better understand local natural values awareness and stewardship ethic to better inform future engagement.

On track

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

• KI Threatened bird survey project consultants have completed final spring bird surveys and have submitted all bird and vegetation survey data to us.

• Final Report being prepared for final submission and presentation to Commonwealth department representatives in January 2023.

On track

Rice Grass Removal from the Rubicon-Port Sorell Estuary

• Planning completed for the upcoming and final Rice Grass control season for the ground-based operations.

• Aerial permit for spraying has been approved by the Commonwealths APVMA and authority of use given by NRE.

• We now await State Government permitting approval through Biosecurity Tasmania to use drones and then approvals from both PWS and Property Services to undertake the works. Hopefully we can achieve all of this before seasons end in March 2023.

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report

On track

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action

Activity this quarter Status

• Tas Drones have been out on site to assess potential for their equipment and provided valuable insights and seem comfortable with the proposed task.

Creating a Hooded Plover Stronghold on Three Hummock Island

• The existing five Felixer units covering the mid-ranges and southern coastlines of the island have been replaced by newer specification models and are fully operational now to projects end in June 2023.

• Two new units for the north of the island have to be flown in by helicopter, due to their remote location, but a combination of bad weather and State Government Authorised Officer availability (due to 1080 use) have seen their installation delayed, potentially now until after Christmas.

• Birdlife Australia team have spent a week on the island conducting final surveys to assess Hooded Plover project outcomes.

Community support for Maugean Skate Recovery

• Project Manager has spent time on the West Coast with stakeholders, attending a community aquaculture event and delivering education activities to local schools and introducing our latex model “Spike” to the locals.

• SKATEx Art Competition launched, inviting artists to produce Maugean Skate inspired artworks.

On track

On track

Cradle

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

• SKATEx winners announced at an event in Strahan in January with artworks displayed at various venues across town.

• Attended the Ocean Summit event on the east coast to raise the profile of the species and project with a target audience.

NRM Aboriginal Traineeship Program

• 6 units of Conservation and Ecosystem Management Cert. III now complete

• Identified a highly invasive weed, African weed Orchid in our region and has been working with BT and local council staff in control planning.

• Project support provided across NRM team

Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF)

• Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator has been present at many ag focussed events this quarter, including the Burnie Show in September and the Circular Head Show in November.

• Delivered a RALF field session on identifying pasture earthworms and establishing a black headed earthworm nursery on your farm.

• Maintained Bubas bison winter-active tunnelling dung beetle nursery.

• Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator supported both our Protecting Our Productive Soils and Soil Extension projects

On track

On track

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action

Activity this quarter Status

• Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator has been a valuable mentor to the Soil Extension Officer

Protecting Our Productive Soils

• The unexpected change in personnel lead to a focusing on essential elements of the Project that had already been planned for delivery.

• The projects have been ably supported by CCA NRM Ag team.

• Ag Logic joined the team for a workshop at one of the Project’s small trial sites in Mawbanna to talk real time grazing management decision making with local weather stations and moisture probe networks.

• TIA’s Forthside Open Day was attended with CCA NRM cover cropping work showcased.

• Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator presented at Upper Murray Seeds Event in Cressy on CCA NRM work in both covers and multi-species pasture.

• A King Island farmer has signed up to trial multi-species pasture on his property.

On track

ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

Tasmanian Soil Extension Program

• Follow-up workshops from the first two field days have been delivered for those interested in better understanding soil health and practical tools to measure key soil attributes, including chemical soil test interpretation.

• Further one on one follow-ups of workshop attendees have been conducted at 12 participant farms, looking at in paddock soil assessment.

• Scoping has been undertaken for a group of interested landholders in the Lorinna area, with early planning started for a King Island production group next year.

• As a short 12-month project, we are well in advance of our planned delivery schedule.

Production Systems Approach to Soil Ecological Restoration

• Demonstration trials are in the process of being established.

• Multi-species pasture has just been sown into existing pasture at Greenham’s Westmore property on the West Coast near Arthur River. This is on a commercial scale and should provide good insights into production benefits, including weight gain improvements, at this scale.

• Cover crops, in partnership with Simplot, are due to be established in autumn and the five landholders have already been identified with work to proceed after summer cash crops.

State Government Programs:

Community NRM Engagement Program inc. Smallholder Program

• Rural Living Round-up, CCA NRM headline smallholder event had to be cancelled due to the late unavailability of our keynote speaker, Matthew Evans. This will now be held in November 2023.

• NW Weeds Working Group meeting held in December

On track

On track

On track

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report

ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action

Activity this quarter Status

• Landcare group small grants progressing well. Regular emails, Facebook updates and December Cradle to Coastlines distributed.

• Organised a West Coast weed Stakeholder meeting in Zeehan in November conjunction with Biosecurity Tas. to work through weed challenges.

• Community events; Wildcare Expo Ulverstone, UTAS Science and Engineering Investigation Awards Judging, Mount Roland Land Care AGM, Community 2030 NRM Strategy Info session

Implementing the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan (TCMP)

• Attended various events including a Landcare Tas info session on feral cat management as a Q and A panel member, the cat focussed Aust. Veterinary Assoc. (AVA) Conference in Hobart, as well as Authorised Officer Training with NRET regarding the Cat Management Act and compliance.

• Business Case for establishing a new centrally located Cat management facility in NW Tasmania received positive feedback, with recommendation from Minister Jo Palmer to submit a budget application. Unfortunately, RSPCA pulled out of plans for the area, so instead Just Cats has submitted a budget application with CCA’s written support.

• Vet endorsement for the strategy has been difficult to obtain, with most clinics in the area not responding. Feedback from three clinics, with one endorsement (Spreyton Vet). General feedback has been that the strategy does not have enough commitment to action in it, and that vets were not appropriately consulted.

• Attended King Island Landcare’s annual meeting and subsequent meetings regarding feral cat management.

On track

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

Currently at the planning stage for a targeted domestic cat program on King Island.

• Shorewell Park Cat Colony – instigated collaboration between NRET, RSPCA and Burnie Council and social housing. Over 20 cats/kittens trapped so far around the one property.

• Currently in talks with Just Cats about how to bring desexing events out here without a vet clinic.

The

Tasmanian

Weeds Action Fund (WAF)

• West Coast weed community meeting held in Zeehan in November to discuss sub-regional issues and planning. On track

Cradle Coast Authority and Regional NRM Committee Programs: Circular Head Roadkill Mitigation Project

• 18-member stakeholder working group continues to provide positive support, with latest meeting held in November.

• A submission to CH Council has been made by the Working Group to seek a reduction of the Woolnorth Road speed limit, with 80kmh, 60kmh and variable speed limits being considered by Councillors in January.

• Council considering how to manage support for roadkill removal, roadside slashing and the VF installations.

On track

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

• Devil Roadkill Mitigation Fund established to seek corporate contributions to fund activities. Dairy industry, as a local collective led by Fonterra, are considering a contribution.

• Project Coordinator has launched the community engagement campaign, delivering seven school education sessions across five schools, attending local community events including the CH Ag Show and engaging community through a pledge program to slow down for devils.

King Island Strategy Development Support

• Meeting held with KILG on the island in November to discuss approach although still to be deferred to later next year due to their staffing limitations

Minor delays

Carbon Market Scoping Project

• Meeting held with Matt Harrison of UTAS to discuss potential for CCA involvement in the carbon space.

• GHG emissions benchmarking and soil carbon testing support identified as potential gaps.

• CCA championing and demonstrating carbon neutrality pathways for local government being considered.

Minor delays

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategy 3 – Strategic Services

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

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

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

• The Board has given its approval to review the Strategic Shared Services Policy.

• Management informed the Reps that the review was underway and would tabled at a Board Workshop in Q3

• CCA provides services to a number of Council including West Coast Councils, Circular Head and is currently negotiating further shared initiatives.

On track

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

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

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

• This has not been progressed in any detail due to the work demands associated with preparation of RFQ Supply and Demand Study, and development of the work plan and governance structure.

On track

• CCA has completed the evaluation of capacity to deliver further strategic support and had preliminary discussions with State Government, State Growth and Australian Government.

Minor delays

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status 3.3

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

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

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action Activity this quarter Status

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

• The Core Operations surplus has been maintained and the financials are being monitored against budget.

• Financial Management Strategy has been updated.

On track

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

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

• Feedback was sought at the Board and Reps Meeting on changes to the quarterly reporting methodology – positive response. Updates will continue in Q3

On track

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

Establish high levels of technological literacy among staff.

• Cyber- security awareness sessions have been planned for early in Q3.

• Management continues to seek ways to streamline processes and reduce service provision costs

On track

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Summary of current projects and initiatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funding Provider Duration

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Australian Government 2020 to 2023

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Australian Government 2019 to 2023

Tasmanian Government 2022 to 2026

Industry Tasmanian Government

2019 to 2022

Australian Government 2019 ongoing

Industry Australian 2019 to ongoing

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Summary of current projects and initiatives

Funding Provider Duration

Local Government Networking Program – In partnership with Local Government Professionals Tasmania, this initiative will deliver a series of professional development and networking events aimed at increasing collaboration and engagement amongst Member Council employees across the region. Industry Local Government Ongoing Constructing the Coastal Pathway – Jointly funded by the State and Australian Government along with Latrobe, Devonport City and Central Coast Councils, the $14 4m Coastal Pathway extension project will see 21 km of additional pathway built between Latrobe and Sulphur Creek between 2020 and 2021

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

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

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

All three tiers of government 2019 to 2022

Tasmanian Government 2018 to 2023

Tasmanian Government 2020 to 2022

Australian Government 2022 to 2023

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report – Q2 23

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*The prioritised projects of regional importance are currently under review as some projects have been funded or partially funded.

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report – Q2 24