West and north-west Tasmania is soon to experience incredible change, as several key developments move into the construction phase across the region. Energy projects such as Marinus Link and TasNetworks North West Transmission Development are scheduled to kick-off in early 2026. Alongside other construction projects in our local government areas, the impacts from these will be felt differently between community and many other stakeholders. We can expect a strong increase in local jobs and business opportunities for contractors and suppliers in our region, a benefit that is warmly welcomed. The combined social needs for our community, large projects, and other parts of the local economy must also be considered – housing, transport, and health services, to name a few.
CCA is working closely with our member councils, project proponents, and state and federal governments to help realise the potential of the multi-billion-dollar investment these projects represent. We are advocating strongly for legacy infrastructure opportunities that will support future housing in the region and ensure worker accommodation needs are insulated from our existing tight housing market, while providing broader economic benefits. We will be delivering a regional Housing Action Roundtable, involving government and private sector, to identify actionable initiatives for worker accommodation, while advancing the housing needs for the Cradle Coast.
Strategic planning will be an area of focus for us in the New Year, through the delivery of the Cradle Coast Regional Land Use Strategy (CCRLUS). While much preparatory work has been done in recent years, 2026 is the opportunity to complete the Strategy, with financial support from the Tasmanian Government. Regional planning is typically the domain of state and territory governments, and, for this reason, we must take the opportunity to push for a strategic direction that benefits the region. The continued CCRLUS governance structure will provide a solid basis for the work, along with the adopted Tasmanian Planning Policies.
In November, I had the opportunity to meet with the Honourable Jane Howlett MP, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, along with North-west and West Mayors. Following concerns raised in early 2025 regarding marketing of airports in our region, we had an opportunity to discuss impending marketing campaigns, how visiting workforce travel will be catered, surety of current services and increases in fare pricing. Progress on implementing the Devonport Airport Master Plan was also raised, which is identified as a significant need for the region. We look forward to continuing this advocacy both with Minister Howlett and the Honourable Kerry Vincent MLC, Minister for Infrastructure.
2026 will be an exciting and pivotal year for our organisation, marked by a change in leadership as long-serving Chair, the Honourable Sid Sidebottom, steps down and Ian Vanderbeek commences as Chair of the Board of Directors from 1 January. I’m particularly enthused by the opportunity that sits before the NRM Team. In addition to the significant projects we deliver on behalf of the Federal Government, there is a growing awareness of the value we bring to state and local government. How we translate our significant knowledge and experience into growing challenges like climate adaptation and biosecurity will be important to consider and implement. While security of ongoing core funding from the State Government remains unresolved, the current level of service we provide to numerous stakeholders is well respected, and we expect to continue this well into the future.
Wishing everyone in our region, including our member councils, partners and stakeholders, a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. We at CCA look forward to a prosperous 2026.
All the best,
Philip Reid
Chief Executive Officer
