All public transport fares will be halved from Saturday, 1 June 2024.

Adult, concession, urban, non-urban, and child/student fares will be halved until June 30, 2025.

To learn more, visit transport.tas.gov.au/fares, talk to your bus operator, or call 6166 3343.

10 May 2024
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Fresh revaluations in eight municipalities

Fresh valuations for property in eight Tasmanian municipalities have been completed and will be issued from 15 to 31 May 2024.

Over 80,000 new valuations will be issued by the Valuer-General to landowners in the municipal areas of King Island, Flinders Island, Dorset, Derwent Valley, Glamorgan Spring Bay, Launceston, Glenorchy and Waratah-Wynyard, and will reflect property market changes since the previous Fresh Revaluation at 2016 levels.

Roughly one-third of Tasmania is valued every two years under the current valuation cycle and these new valuations will take effect from 1 July 2024.
The valuations for Land Value, Capital Value and Annual Assessed Value provide independent assessments under the Valuation of Land Act 2001.

The Valuer-General has no role in Land Tax matters, nor rates set by Councils when they determine annual budgets. Valuations are not the only data considered by Councils when setting rates.

“The Office of the Valuer-General engage independent valuers to undertake extensive market research through inspection and analysis of actual property sales to determine the value levels of various property types,” said Valuer-General Guy Naish.

“These land valuations reflect property market changes since the local government areas were last valued and are the result of months of hard work and extensive research and analysis by the Office of the Valuer-General,” said Mr Naish.

“In order to ensure the state’s Valuation Roll is accurate, we encourage property owner’s participation in the process by checking the detail and values recorded on their notices once received.”

If a property owner feels the recorded valuation details are not correct, they have 60 days to lodge a formal objection with the Office of the Valuer-General.
Land valuations will remain unchanged in local government areas that aren’t included in this round of valuations.

Further information on the valuations process or to make an objection can be found on the Office of the Valuer-General website at Office of the Valuer-General (OVG) | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (nre.tas.gov.au) or by contacting 03 6165 4444 or OVG@nre.tas.gov.au.

ENDS
Contact: NRETas.media@nre.tas.gov.au

GLAMORGAN SPRING BAY TOWNSHIP STRUCTURE PLANS

CONSULTATION OPEN ON DRAFT STRUCTURE PLANS 

The Glamorgan Spring Bay municipality is changing, with a population increase of nearly 20% over the last 10 years. Population projections mean that we anticipate seeing an increase of at least 16% by 2046. This means that the strategic goals of Council need to be reviewed to ensure that the changing needs of the community are met into the future.

Council has engaged ERA Planning and Environment as the project team to undertake community engagement, review previous structure plans, and prepare new structure plans for the townships of Bicheno, Coles Bay, Swansea and Triabunna-Orford.

The structure plans will consider population trends, community needs, local planning context, economic drivers, development trends, and land use demand and supply. The structure plans will support the upcoming review of the Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy that provides direction for zoning and settlement strategies for towns across the southern region.

What is a structure plan? 

A structure plan is a strategic document used by local government to guide the future planning and development in their local area. It provides a blueprint for future land use and development changes and can be used to guide the application of the planning scheme through zoning, overlays and specific provisions.

Therefore, a structure plan considers population trends, community needs, local planning context, economic drivers, development trends, and land use demand and supply. A structure plan is not a population or economic strategy but rather seeks to manage predicted growth and change in an area, having regard to an analysis of the planning environment.

Draft structure plans

The draft structure plans have now been completed and will form the basis for community engagement. You can access the draft structure plans at the links below.

• Draft Bicheno Structure Plan 2024 
• Draft Coles Bay Structure Plan 2024 
• Draft Swansea Structure Plan 2024 
• Draft Orford-Triabunna Structure Plan 2024 
• State of Play Report 

HAVE YOUR SAY

The project team is looking forward to receiving feedback from the community on the draft structure plans.

The project team will be undertaking community engagement from Monday 13 May until Monday 17 June 2024. There are lots of ways you can be involved.

Online survey

Complete the online survey to provide your feedback on the draft structure plans. The survey is anonymous and should take approximately 10 minutes.

Click here to take the survey now!

Email and phone

If you’d like to speak with one of the project team you can contact us on (03) 6165 0443 or email us at engagement@eraplanning.com.au 

We look forward to hearing from you about this exciting project for the future of towns in Glamorgan Spring Bay!

Previous Structure Plans

Glamorgan Spring Bay Council has previously undertaken structure planning for the townships of Triabunna and Orford, and Bicheno in 2014, and Coles Bay and Swansea in 2016. You can access these structure plans at the links below.

• Bicheno Structure Plan 2014
• Coles Bay Structure Plan 2016
• Swansea Structure Plan 2016
• Triabunna and Orford Structure Plan 2014

17 May 2024

Guy Barnett, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Bicheno Ambulance Station update

The Tasmanian Government remains committed to building a new ambulance station in Bicheno to support our dedicated Paramedics and Volunteer Ambulance Officers to provide vital services to the community.

Following further consultation with the community last year, the Department has decided not to proceed with building the new station at the previously preferred site at 60A Burgess Street.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said the Government has listened to the local community.

“We have welcomed the community’s feedback on the development of a new ambulance station in Bicheno, because we are committed to getting this right,” Minister Barnett said.

“We have engaged extensively with the Bicheno community, Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, the Bicheno Community Development Association, other stakeholders from the local business community and health sector, and Ambulance Tasmania.

“The Department is now working to identify a new suitable site that balances Ambulance Tasmania’s operational needs with the feedback we have heard from the community.

“Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we remain totally committed to delivering the health outcomes Tasmanians deserve – just like a new ambulance station for this vibrant East Coast community.

“A key commitment of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is the largest ever recruitment blitz of paramedics in Tasmania’s history – recruiting a total of 78 new full paramedics, some of which will service this fantastic new station and the Bicheno community upon completion.”

Link – Bicheno Ambulance Station update – Premier of Tasmania

Waste Transfer Stations – Winter Operating Hours/Days Monday apply from May to November 2024

Priority Strategic Projects 

The purpose of our prospectus is to share more about our municipality with our funding partners, to highlight that Glamorgan Spring Bay is an attractive area for investment, and to make future planning and delivery of vital community projects a smoother and more efficient process. Projects recommended here proceed from councils Ten Year Strategic Plan 2020-2029.

The projects in this document complement existing government strategies and policies and highlight our enthusiasm to improve our region. We are willing to discuss options for funding for any or all of these priority projects and look forward to working with you on building a better community for all of our residents and visitors.

Project Prospectus February 2024

6 February 2024

Jeremy Rockliff, Premier

Investing in the East Coast through the Strategic Regional Partnership

The Tasmanian Liberal Government has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Break O’Day Council, Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, East Coast Tasmania, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania and Regional Development Australia.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the Government will invest more than $5.2 million into developing strategies to enhance health services, education and job opportunities for young people and tourism and infrastructure planning for the East Coast as part of the deal.

“The Tasmanian Liberal Government is doing what matters for those living on the East Coast by investing in the services, infrastructure and long-term planning the region needs to continue to thrive,” Premier Rockliff said.

“We are working in collaboration with the community to achieve the best possible outcomes for Eastern Tasmania.”

The MoU outlines our commitment to develop an action plan to progress the following priorities:

• East Coast e-health taskforce;
• Regional Population and Housing Needs Analysis;
• Education and Training Hub feasibility study;
• Triabunna Tomorrow Plan feasibility study;
• Triabunna streetscape and public toilets upgrades;
• St Helens – Binalong Bay Liveability Strategy;
• Future strategic land use study for a new St Helens District High School;
• Bicheno Urban Design Strategy;
• Provision of public amenities to support youth infrastructure in Bicheno;
• Bay of Fires Masterplan;
• Concept development for new St Marys Child Care Facility;
• East Coast Tourism Positive Impact Plan;
• Youth Connectors Program for East Coast Jobs Hub;
• Ongoing funding commitment for East Coast Jobs Hub; and
• East Coast strategic disaster resilience priorities.

“Our Government is committed to our long-term plan to make Tasmania the best place to live, work and raise a family,” the Premier said.

“This MoU with the East Coast is another example of our Government’s commitment to invest in our regions, which are the lifeblood of this state.”

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering on what matters for all Tasmanians.

Glamorgan Spring Bay Council Mayor, Cheryl Arnol, said that Council is very pleased to be part of this exciting MOU project and looks forward to working with the government on achieving the outcomes outlined in the agreement.

“The support for Triabunna as the gateway to Maria Island is particularly pleasing with the planned influx of tourists to Tasmania and as the gateway to one of the most visited destinations in our State,” Mayor Arnol said.

Break O’Day Mayor, Mick Tucker welcomed the announcement regarding the Memorandum of Understanding.

“The projects being supported within the Memorandum of Understanding are vital to the growth of the East Coast and importantly they will address priority projects which the Break O’Day Council have been lobbying the State Government to address.”

“Health and housing are two of the biggest issues affecting communities on the East Coast and direct action is required” stated Mayor Tucker.

From East Coast Tasmania Chair, Jen Fry, said that it is wonderful to receive this funding for our community, our industry, and our region.

“The partnership agreement will no doubt have a transformative impact on our initiatives. This significant investment marks a pivotal moment in our journey, propelling us towards innovative milestones and enhanced community outcomes,” Ms Fry said.

The CEO of the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, Amy Hills, said that the East Coast of Tasmania was one of the most heavily dependent regions on tourism in the country, therefore the industry welcomed the visitor economy being at the heart of the new Regional Strategic Partnership.

“Ensuring the visitor economy continues to help drive the region’s economy while making a positive impact on the community, environment, and Tasmanian way of life is a key goal of industry and we look forward to working collaboratively to achieve this through the partnership.

Tasmania RDA Chair Professor, Sue Kilpatrick, said the RDA are delighted to be supporting this Strategic Regional Partnership on the East Coast.

“Place-based partnerships help deliver a much better outcome for communities and ensure local voices are heard. The SRP’s are a great foundation for RDA Tasmania to promote Australian Government funding opportunities and leverage even greater resources and outcomes.”

The Tasmanian Government is taking action to end homelessness by ensuring all Tasmanians have access to safe, appropriate and affordable housing.

Tasmania’s first 20-year Tasmanian Housing Strategy (the Strategy) sets the ambitious vision to end homelessness by improving the entire housing system for all Tasmanians.

To view the strategy and or action plan, please visit the Tasmanian Housing website below.

Home | Tasmanian Housing Strategy (homestasmania.com.au)

Business and Employment Southeast Tasmania Inc (BEST) is a FREE, flexible and person-centred program supporting the community and businesses in our four local council areas – Sorell, Tasman, Clarence City and Glamorgan Spring Bay (Swansea South).

What can BEST help with:

-Job opportunities.

-Training opportunities.

-Job matching.

-Interview coaching.

-Providing support on interview panels with employers.

-Recruitment of your next employee.

-Small business advice.

-Access to a private meeting room for employers to conduct interviews.

PLUS, SO MUCH MORE

Contact BEST today to see how they can best support YOU.

Visit their website for additional information.

Local people for local jobs – Business & Employment Southeast Tasmania (bestas.com.au)

The Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) Great Customer Experience Program is built with hospitality and tourism operators in mind.

It provides operators with opportunities and guidance that result in elevated customer experiences Tasmania-wide.

The point of difference; the GCE program is delivered in venue, at a time convenient to the venue, and due to government funding is at no cost to the venue. It can be tailored to each business, and is delivered by people passionate about supporting hospitality and tourism businesses.

Business Health Check
A conversation with you about your business with one of our team to help identify your
business’ strengths and weaknesses.

Venue Awareness
Our Venue Awareness Session involves your businesses most important asset, your staff. The aim is to ensure your staff are passionate about creating your Tasmanian brand experience and care about the success of your business. 

Skills Session
Our skills sessions address the critical skills gaps that may exist in your business like Barista Basics, Front of House, Bar Basics.

Fully funded by the Tasmanian Government. For more information please visit the THA website. Home — Tasmanian Hospitality Association (tha.asn.au)

Governor of Tasmania – Community Engagement (July 2023)

Community invited to comment on the Final Report of the Future of Local Government Review

The Rockliff Liberal Government has today invited the community to have their say on the Final Report of the Future of Local Government Review.

Minister for Local Government, Nic Street, said that there are a number of key recommendations made in the Final Report and feedback from the community will ensure the best possible outcomes for Tasmanians.

“The Rockliff Liberal Government set the Board with a very ambitious task – to design a more robust and capable system of local government to meet the contemporary and emerging needs of the Tasmanian community,” Minister Street said.

“The Board has now completed that task, producing a package of 37 recommendations covering all aspects of the local government system, from voluntary amalgamations through to councillor performance and council management of local infrastructure.

“It’s now time for councils and the community to let the Government know what they think of these recommendations, as this will inform the Government’s response.

“From the beginning, this Review has highlighted councils’ role in supporting strong local communities. The Government will maintain a focus on the community as we consider the Report and prepare a Government response.

“We have been clear that this Review will not result in forced amalgamations of councils, and that has not changed. There will be no change to council boundaries unless both the councils and communities want them.

“My sincere thanks to the Independent Board Chair, the Hon Sue Smith and her Board members, together with staff in the Office of Local Government, for their incredibly hard work on the Review over the past nearly two years.”

Some of the key recommendations in the Report include:

1. Redefining the role of local government to focus on community wellbeing;
2. Exploring voluntary council amalgamation in five areas initially:
   1. West Coast, Waratah-Wynyard and Circular Head Councils;
   2. Kentish and Latrobe Councils;
   3. Break O’Day, Glamorgan-Spring Bay and Sorell Councils;
   4. City of Hobart and Glenorchy City Councils;
   5. Kingborough and Huon Valley Councils.
3. Requiring all councils to migrate to a common IT system over time, and share their key professional staff, such as environmental health officers;
4. Providing an ongoing professional development program for all councillors; and
5. Ensuring council rate notices provide more useful information that improves public transparency, accountability, and confidence in council financial management decisions.

The Final Report is open for comment until 29 February 2024. The report is available at www.futurelocal.tas.gov.au.

Financial Assistance Grants Distribution Methodology