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."
