Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) is pleased to confirm that at the Burnie City Council meeting on 24 June, Councillors voted unanimously to re-join the region’s joint authority. Once CCA receives formal acknowledgement from Burnie City Council, CCA will start the process for Burnie to re-join.
The decision restores full regional collaboration across all nine councils in the north-west and western Tasmania, strengthening the Cradle Coast’s shared ability to deliver regional outcomes and advocate with a united voice.
CCA CEO Sheree Vertigan AM welcomed the decision and acknowledged the constructive approach taken by both Burnie City Council and existing Member Councils.
“This is a significant and positive step forward for our region,” Ms Vertigan said. “We’ve maintained a respectful working relationship with Burnie City Council throughout their time away from CCA, and we’ve worked together to support this return. We’re delighted to welcome Burnie back as a member.”
CCA Chair of the Board, Hon. Sid Sidebottom, said the return of Burnie City Council marked a renewed era of regional cohesion.
“Having all nine councils at the table again puts us in the strongest possible position to deliver for our communities. CCA’s role is to support councils to work together, and Burnie’s return reinforces that shared vision,” Mr Sidebottom said.
“We’re looking forward to working with all our Member Councils on key regional priorities, including ensuring the delivery of the Shared Coastal Pathway, supported by the funding commitment made by the Australian Labor Government at the last federal election.”
CCA Chief Representative Mayor Mary Duniam said Burnie’s return offers both symbolic and practical advantages.
“Full regional collaboration means better outcomes. The work CCA does – from natural resource management to economic development – is strengthened when every council is involved,” Mayor Duniam said.
CCA is a regional organisation with a clear purpose: to strengthen the Cradle Coast by supporting collaboration across councils and communities, driving economic development and protecting and enhancing natural resources.
Through core council contributions, CCA delivers a strong return on investment, leveraging every $1 of council funding into $8 of state, federal or private sector support. Over the 2022–2024 financial years, the Authority secured more than $18.5 million in project funding.
