Click here to view the full statement: CCA State Election Priority Statement 2024
Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) has released a priority statement ahead of the 2024 State election. Details of the proposals have begun to be presented to Braddon candidates.
The list of priorities focuses on ensuring the long-term sustainability of our region.
CCA wants to collaborate with its Member Councils to progress our work that will bring together current initiatives and build on the efforts of the CCA Regional Futures Plan. The goal is to make the region an attractive place to live, work and play. To achieve this, CCA is urging the future government to invest in a regional deal for the Cradle Coast area.
CCA Chief Executive Officer Sheree Vertigan AM said, “CCA is seeking a similar funding deal to those on offer through the City Deals or the Regional Strategic Partnerships.”
“While acknowledging that there has been considerable investment by Councils and past governments in the Regional Futures Plan, our masterplan, there are still many systemic challenges facing the region. We need to capitalise on the growth and development in the region that has occurred in recent years.”
“An investment in the regional master plan would ensure that we continue to develop strategies and actions for the future sustainability of the region.”
Furthermore, CCA is calling for a commitment to complete the Shared Coastal Pathway by closing the existing gaps and enhancing the pathway experience. This includes creating interactive maps, collecting user data, and promoting active transportation in the region.
The next step is building connections to the pathway from satellite settlements, tourist attractions, other recreation, park and ride sites and urban connections.
Speaking on the incomplete sections, Chair of the CCA Board, Hon Sid Sidebottom, said,
“The Shared Coastal Pathway is not complete until it covers the entire region.”
“The pathway as it exists today is an excellent example of what can happen when all levels of government work together, but we are not done yet.”
“We know that the creation of a continuous pathway comes with unique challenges and a high price tag, but we can’t afford to leave it as is. We must maintain the momentum and enthusiasm currently out in our community for this pathway.”
“The people of this region want more pathways, more connections to the pathway, and supporting infrastructure. It has the potential to be more than a nice place to walk or ride – it has the potential to become a commuter network, a safe journey to school, a drawcard for tourists, and an active transport network.”
“Our proposal recognises that it is a big ask but the request for funding identifies work for today, tomorrow and well into the future.”
CCA is one of 54 natural resource management (NRM) organisations in Australia and one of three in Tasmania (alongside NRM North and NRM South).
The role of Cradle Coast NRM (CCNRM) is to protect, sustainably manage and improve natural resources for the shared environment and cultural, social, and economic benefit of the community.
CCNRM is requesting a commitment from the future government to continue investing in our natural environment. Our Cat Management program strongly supports the establishment of an additional cat management facility in the region, and CCNRM is requesting funding to extend the successful desexing programs that six councils in the region have offered this year.
Additionally, CCNRM has a number of priority projects unfunded, including the Circular Head Roadkill Mitigation project and Coastal Wetlands Protection program, which will extend treatment efforts to reduce the impact of Rice Grass in Robbins Passage/Boullanger Bay, Rubicon – Port Sorell Estuary and the Mersey River and requires a total investment of $1,190,000 over three years.
