2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report Q4

2022/23 – Q4

ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT

APRIL – JUNE 2023

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.

It is worth opening this message with some positive news about the Braddon Truckwash and Effluent Dump Project which has been on the agenda for CCA since 2019. From the outset it was a complex project with multiple stakeholders – council, community and local businesses across four sites and with each site requiring a different response. Fortunately, CCA was able to access a small portion of the total funding upfront to undertake feasibility studies and negotiations with the stakeholders. It is worth noting that CCA does not receive any funding for staff time on the Project – any project management must be via a person explicitly employed to manage the project. This Project has shown the value of being ‘shovel ready’ or having undertaken some feasibility work prior to sourcing funds. Good project management is all about preparation. CCA acknowledges the support we received from local members of the Australian Government on the project – it has been invaluable. The Grant Deed was finally signed in late April 2023 and more detail on progress since the signing is available in the report.

As you will note in this quarterly report the NRM team have been busy completing the RLP projects as funding for these projects concluded on June 30 2023 and reporting must be completed by mid-July. It is a massive task, but the team need to be commended for their ongoing commitment and the impressive outcomes from their work. CCA received notification that we will be a Regional Delivery Partner to provide environmental protection, sustainable agriculture and natural resource management services to the region and project co-design will commence early in the new financial year. It is important to mention that the projects being funded by the Tasmanian Government are not due for completion.

The Regional Economic Development Committee (REDC) is currently working on a revamp of Choose Cradle Coast. This part of CCA’s Strategic Plan was developed prior to the pandemic and its recovery phase hence it has lost some relevance. The economic activity across the region and the challenges and opportunities that it brings will be addressed in this process. The recent appointment of a Regional Development Manager to the team allows CCA to increase stakeholder engagement in regional development and focus on the Regional Futures Plan and Regional Investment Framework. The REDC is looking to establish advisory groups rather than working groups to provide greater community and business input.

In response to requests from a number of Council members, CCA continues to undertake research into models to support workforce housing, settlement strategies, growing the regional workforces in times of low unemployment and low productivity, and provision of allied health services and health services more generally. Much of this work is framed within a context of liveability – CCA surveys have shown that liveability is the main criteria for people who relocate or remain in our region.

This quarter the Shared Coastal Pathways became two stages closer to completion with the opening of the Penguin and West Ulverstone sections of the pathway. The sections were opened by Senator Anne Urquhart, Mayor Cheryl Fuller and CCA Chair Sid Sidebottom in the presence of a large, enthusiastic group of cyclists. CCA will be commencing consultation in the next quarter with stakeholders and user groups for an event late in 2023 when the pathway is virtually complete from Latrobe to Sulphur Creek. In addition, work will begin shortly on the Wynyard to Burnie section of the pathway. Additionally, CCA is working on a pilot project, identifying ‘pause places’ on the Waratah-Wynyard section of the pathway and urban linkages. This pilot project is funded by the Tasmanian Department of Health. There is no doubt about the value placed on the pathway by the community and CCA is constantly responding to queries about where to next.

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. Strengthening regional partnerships will be a centrepiece of CCA’s next strategic plan. It is through these partnerships that CCA is able to develop strategic services further and work towards even greater financial sustainability.

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

Best wishes,

Sheree Vertigan AM BA MEd 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”.

To help Councils achieve regional outcomes and maintain strong local government, by working together.

AGILE COLLABORATIVE OPTIMISTIC LEAN GROWTH MINDSET

We adapt and refocus quickly and easily, in response to change.

We play to others’ strengths and listen with intent to understand and avoid duplication.

We see the best possible outcome and strive for it.

We use our resources wisely and keep things simple. If a longer meeting or document won’t add value, we’ll keep it short.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region.

We experiment, reflect, and innovate –

we constantly ask ourselves “how can we do this better”?

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report – Q4

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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 – Q4

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategy 1 – Regional Economic Development

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.

• Continue to work with Council, communities and businesses to identify projects of regional importance.

• Met with both Federal and State politicians to ensure that they are familiar with the challenges faced by the Cradle Coast Region such as healthcare, availability of workforce, housing (including workforce housing), and renewable energy.

• Working to refresh and refocus ‘Choose Cradle Coast.’

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

• Completed the recruitment process and appointed a new Regional Development Manager.

• NRM worked with the regional Planning Manager to develop a response/submission to draft Tasmanian Planning Policies.

• Increased focus on sustainable regional development.

• NRM Committee Chair presented to REDC.

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

• Continue to work with regional entities to determine ways to further strengthen partnerships.

• Regular participation in Chamber of Commerce and Industry business breakfasts.

• Attended WxNW Tourism Forum and Energy Development conferences.

• Continue to work with UTAS and facilitate conversations around the use of the innovation hub.

• Worked with Enterprize to recruit and appoint a new Enterprize Officer for Cradle Coast.

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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• Mentored local start-up business through Born Global Program.

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

• Project complete.

1.2 Continue to deliver funded Regional Economic Development projects.

Manage and deliver Regional Economic Development projects including:

Constructing the coastal pathways

• At West Ulverstone, construction of the path has been completed with some minor works outstanding. These include fencing and an additional 50 m of path to be constructed as a variation to the project.

• Construction of the path from Sulphur Creek to Penguin has been completed; additional work in the form of a variation has yet to be completed, which will see the construction of two new pedestrian rail crossings allowing access to the beach.

• Harding's Hot Mix has commenced work on site on the Don to Leith section. The majority of the work within CCC has been completed with concrete being poured to form the finished surface of the path. Work on the section within the DCC municipality is well underway with only 1000 m of formation to be completed, this is expected to be asphalted in September. TasRail has completed upgrades to the rail crossing at Norfolk crossing and

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report – Q4

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

construction of the new Robinsons underpass has also been completed.

Farm Vehicle Washdown and Effluent Dumping Facilities

• Grant Deed signed off in late April.

• Contract signed and work commenced on King Island and Stanley relocatable facilities.

• Working with TasPorts and Greenham on a single lease agreement for both sites mentioned above.

• Head of agreement contract completed awaiting final sign-off by TasWater, NRE on Smithton Facility.

• Tender for Minna Road under review.

Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub

• A new Future Energy Facilitator has been appointed.

• Attended the Tasmanian Energy Development Conference.

• Finalisation of the Energising Tasmania projects.

On track

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23 Annual Plan Progress Report –

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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Strategy 2 – Natural Resource Management

2.1 Implement the Regional NRM Strategy

Develop a Regional NRM Business and Investment Plan

• Consultation initiated regarding natural capital accounting approaches to inform implementation and evaluation of Regional NRM Strategy.

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

• Project delivery complete, with final compliance reports being prepared for submission by the end of July 2023.

• Rice Grass Reference Group meeting held in May with updates and technical advice provided by Cradle Coast NRM, UTAS, Circular Head Council and Circular Head Landcare Group. Agenda and minutes produced.

• Final project update produced; content includes an overview of coastal saltmarshes, threats, project objectives, Rice Grass management, saltmarsh protection, monitoring, and future objectives. The update will be available on the CCA website and distributed at future events to the community and stakeholders.

• Covenant protecting 37.5 ha of saltmarsh at Montagu signed by both the landholder and Minister.

• On-ground works – fencing and revegetation of wetland area adjacent to saltmarsh covenant completed at Western Inlet.

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

Giant Freshwater Crayfish Recovery

Activity this quarter Status

• Project delivery complete, with final compliance reports being prepared for submission by the end of July 2023.

• 10.83 km of river frontage protected through fencing and covenanting in Q4, now totalling over 37 km protected at project completion.

• Three covenants signed off by both landholder and Minister protecting 63.71 ha of vegetation and 4.63 km of river frontage. Includes over 43 ha of critically endangered White Gum forest.

• Landholders severely impacted by weather conditions and supply issues in getting fencing completed on time.

• Fourth and final GFC Newsletter circulated and mailed to landholders and community contacts. Mailed to 221 recipients and emailed to over 110.

• Field day held at the project site on Duck River in April, attracted 36 participants.

Enhancing King Island Brown Thornbill habitat patches for future corridors

• Project complete and grant acquitted.

• 5 ha demonstration site established to protect critical KIBT habitat across three commercial grazing properties.

• Field day delivered to the King Island community to raise awareness of species and habitat threats and practical land management actions that can be taken on farms to mitigate threats and improve productivity.

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

Thornbill

• Project complete. On track

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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Rice Grass Removal from the Rubicon-Port Sorell Estuary

• Aerial spray trial conducted by Taz Drones on a 2.8 ha meadow of Rice Grass in the upper reaches of the estuary. Results from this trial will be evaluated in late 2023 when the effectiveness can be observed with the new season growth of the plant.

• Water sampling was conducted with the trial of aerial spraying. Sampling was conducted to monitor the amount of herbicide detectable in the waterway. No herbicide was detected before, on the day of application or seven days after the trial.

• Final project update produced. Content in the update includes an overview of Rice Grass and the local infestation, project objectives, details on the treatment, aerial spray trial, monitoring, and next steps. This will be available on the CCA website and distributed at future events to the community and other stakeholders.

• Attended the Rice Grass Reference group meeting and provided an update on the project.

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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Creating a Hooded Plover Stronghold on Three Hummock Island

Activity this quarter Status

• Project delivery complete, with final compliance reports being prepared for submission by the end of July 2023.

• Wildcare volunteer trip in late May delivered to undertake final weed control and marine debris services.

• A further trip to run Felixer maintenance and capture final round of data for this project and now being assessed for final reporting now.

• Reference Group meeting held as a final evaluation meeting.

• Huge amount of data, with camera traps capturing about 110,000 animal events across 60 different species, with feral cats captured 914 times across the life of this project.

• Early analysis of data indicates that there was slight reduction in cat activity in the 12 months post baiting and a more significant reduction since Felixer deployment, particularly in the last 5 months.

• Eight cats previously detected and killed, of what is assumed to be a small established population, by 7 operational Felixer units, with no change in the most recent Felixer data collected in May.

Community support for Maugean Skate Recovery

• Project complete and grant acquitted.

• All monies spent and final project reporting submitted.

• Project summary completed and added to the project webpage.

• Final approvals for interpretive signage and bronze skate sculptures obtained from the West Coast Council. Council working with a stonemason to complete installations by September.

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

NRM Aboriginal Traineeship Program

Activity this quarter

• Finalising last 2 units of CEM course.

• Fox shortlisted for the Tasmanian Training AwardsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

• Assisting in GFC Recovery project on-ground works completion with landholders and final sign-off.

Status

Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF)

• Delivered workshop session for TasTAFE apprentices ‘Introduction to plant diseases. ’

• Delivered workshop session for TasTAFE apprentices ‘Plant diseases of a pasture-based system and case studies of disease management in the pyrethrum industry.’

• Delivered workshop session for TasTAFE apprentices ‘Managing soil erosion in crop production.’

Protecting Our Productive Soils

• Project delivery complete, with final compliance reports being prepared for submission by the end of July 2023.

• Soil erosion field day delivered Hagley School Farm campus on 20 April with 295 in attendance.

• Final project working group meeting held at Forthside vegetable research station on 19 June.

• Five landholder agreements (one-to-one support) signed and executed (one tunnelling dung beetle colony release and monitoring agreement at Redpa and four multispecies pasture establishment agreements at Preston, Beulah, Ridgley and Flowerdale).

• Final outcome report completed for Regional Land Partnerships.

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

Tasmanian Soil Extension Program

Activity this quarter Status

• Project delivery complete, with final compliance reports being prepared for submission by the end of July 2023.

• Highly successful field day delivered on King Island with the KI Beef Producers Group in mid-May on soil fertility and nutrient budgeting and the importance of soil testing and pH management.

• Afternoon workshop focussed on two different soil pits to discuss soil structure and biology, compaction, and drainage management.

• Last nine one-to-one landholder visits conducted by SEO on-farm to facilitate soil testing and soil health assessment.

Production Systems Approach to Soil Ecological Restoration

• Highly successful community extension event held on 2 May at Westmore attended by 16 participants to learn from the farm manager and consulting agronomists about the implementation of the multi-species pasture infield demonstration. The event was attended by a wide range of representatives from the farming community, as well as industry bodies and research institutions. Post event feedback was all very positive, with several participants considering changing practices in both beef cattle and dairy operations.

• Community extension events scheduled to take place on two Simplot grower properties to showcase in-field demonstrations of cover crops on 15 and 17 August. Speakers to include farm managers, agronomist and UTAS PhD candidate studying cover crops on the NW Coast.

Minor delays

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategic Intention Annual Plan Action

State Government Programs:

Community NRM Engagement Program inc. Smallholder Program

Activity this quarter Status

• Round 2 Community Capacity Grants - three more projects completed, others contracted for completion 2023/24. Round 3 grants launched with applications to close in July 2023.

• Supported four NRM volunteers with the First Aid Sponsorship program.

• Updated our NRM community through regular direct emails, the Cradle Coast NRM Facebook page and distributed the June 2023 edition of the Cradle to Coastlines newsletter.

• The Link, Learn and Lunch event held at Camp Clayton in May was a huge success. A total of 80 individuals from 38 different community groups participated and the feedback received was positive.

• Community NRM engagement stall at Agfest field days (4-6 May).

Implementing the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan (TCMP)

• Attended multiple events including:

o Just Cats Ulverstone Adopting Day

o NW EcoFest

o AgFest

o CCA’s Link, Learn and Lunch

o AIAM’s Local Government Cat Forum (virtually)

• Currently finalising King Island Survey Results Report.

• Currently finalising King Island Cat Project Plan.

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

Activity this quarter Status

• Coordinator commenced Project Management Course through the Tas Community Fund.

• Supported NRET in delivering Cat Management Act 2009 Authorised Officer Training to NW councils.

The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund (WAF)

• Three successful applications in NW latest grant round; King Island Asparagus Weed control, Circular Head Rice Grass and Statewide Bridle Creeper mapping and control.

• Program extended by State Gov and awaiting update on CCA NRM future involvement.

Cradle Coast Authority and Regional NRM Committee Programs:

Circular Head Roadkill Mitigation Project

• Media release on community commitment to protecting devils on the roads, published by Circular Head Chronicle.

• Pledges collected and materials distributed at Agfest and the CCA Link, Learn and Lunch event. The pledge count is 332.

• 150 pledge flyers printed and distributed throughout the Smithton and Stanley townships. The flyer is being published in local school newsletters on a regular basis.

Coast Authority

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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Strategic Intention

Annual Plan Action

King Island Strategy Development Support

Activity this quarter Status

• Strategy scoping meeting held between CCA and King Island Landcare Group (KILG).

• Drafting of King Island Strategy commenced by KILG and in ongoing consultation with CCA.

Carbon Market Scoping Project

• NRM Planning Manager, Iona Flett, attended National Natural Capital Accounting and Financing Workshops in April and briefed senior management and NRM Regional Committee on the potential to engage in future.

• Senior NRM staff is now engaged with NRM Regions/IDEEA Group on a roadmap process to explore opportunities for our organisation.

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23

PLAN

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

Strategy 3 – Strategic Services

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

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

• CCA continues to work with a number of Community Groups and Councils on future projects, undertaking planning, presentations and scoping of possible projects.

• Staff members are undertaking additional study and training to support this work.

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).

• The NRM and REDC Committees worked together to make planning submissions and a submission to Homes Tasmania. This work underpins any future work on environmental planning.

On track

• Through the Representatives and General Managers, CCA is undertaking work on Climate Adaptation, Workforce Housing and Workforce provision.

Minor delays

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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3.3 Continue to deliver funded Strategic Services projects. Regional Planning Framework.

• Compilation of submission for consultation on the Tasmanian Planning policies.

• Research on housing issues to inform CCA and committees before housing strategy.

• Compilation of submission for consultation on the housing Strategy.

• Finalisation and circulation of planning processes and fees in the region.

• Management of supply and demand study by Remplan.

• Coordination with State Planning Office about the adoption of interim RLUS.

Stronger Councils, Stronger Region

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

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.

• The 2023/24 budget has been prepared in line with the Financial Management Strategy and was endorsed on 20 June 2023.

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.

• On going process, with substantial changes to be implemented with the next strategic plan. On track

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

Establish high levels of technological literacy among staff.

• Ongoing, with short refresher courses being provided at staff meetings On track

PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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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 quality 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 agricultural activities across our productive landscapes.

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

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 project 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.

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

Cradle Coast Authority 2022/23

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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Summary of current projects and initiatives

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.

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.

Funding Provider Duration

Industry Tasmanian Government

2019 to 2022

Australian Government 2019 ongoing

Food Producers’ Network – This initiative will support start-up agritourism, food and drink businesses in the region, in partnership with the new food business incubator, Seedlab 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.

Industry Local Government

Ongoing

Industry Australian 2019 ongoing 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.

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 natural 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 communities and/or habitat types considered important 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

2022/23 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Q4

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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 include 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.

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.