Mayor Deirdre Flint OAM, Central Highlands Council, Tasmania
I was elected to Council in 1996 and became Mayor in 2002. I joined Council because I enjoy engaging with people of all sorts. I wanted to make a difference in my community and to be part of creating a better future for the younger generation.
Prior to my current role as Mayor I worked as a Principal Private Secretary in the Australian Embassy in Washington USA, and as a secondary school teacher. As a result of my work in the diplomatic service, and the extensive travel that goes along with it, I believe I have an insight into projects that could be of benefit to the Central Highlands region.
History, geography & economy
The Central Highlands covers 12 percent of Tasmania’s landmass, yet the area has a sparse population of only 2100. Colonial settlement in the region began in the early 1820s and a large amount of the built and pastoral heritage from that time remains.
From the turn of the last century, hydroelectric power was introduced and a number of man-made lakes joined the thousands more that naturally occur in the Central Highlands.
Until recently, forestry was a major contributor to the economy and Council has recently introduced its own stimulus strategy to partially overcome the loss of that industry. This has been one of the biggest challenges for the Central Highlands, with the downturn in forestry representing a more than $9 million loss to the region’s economy in the last
12 months.
Agriculture remains a significant driver of the economy, with tourism increasingly becoming more important as international and mainland visitors recognise the natural and built glories of the region, such as Lake St Clair, the deepest lake in Australia, and the historic townships of Bothwell, Hamilton and Gretna.
We have diverse natural attractions, such as the Highland Lakes, which are famous for their fly-fishing, rugged mountains, breathtaking scenery and clean, fresh air. And, added to the natural splendour is the amazing carved sculpture at Derwent Bridge, ‘The Wall in the Wilderness’ by Greg Duncan, which depicts the history of the Central Highlands area.
Challenges for Central Highlands
The region faces a number of challenges, with this year’s bushfires having a serious impact on our communities. There is also the threat of school closures as families move to find work with the downturn in the economy. And, as with most councils, there is never enough funding to complete major projects.
In response to some of these challenges, Council is launching its Highlands Tasmania Brand, which will highlight tourism, agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture and other products of the region to international markets and stimulate inward investment in all these industries, and in goods and services and downstream processing.
As part of this, and during my time as Mayor, I’d like to see the construction of an irrigation scheme to drought-proof a significant part of the region. This will then encourage the growth of horticulture, and dairying in particular, and will lead to downstream processing – and jobs!
Achievements & advice
One of my major achievements in my time on Council has been the provision of better medical facilities for the Central Highlands by obtaining a permanent doctor in the towns of Bothwell and Ouse, which house the region’s only medical centres.
I have also been involved in the part sealing of the Highland Lakes Road and the Shack Site Categorisation Project, which allowed for the preservation of the Tasmanian tradition of ‘shack’ living throughout the region.
In terms of advice, it is important that a Mayor gets out amongst the community and has an open door policy in relation to that community. Elected members need to support their community as much as possible, such as being hands on during a crisis like the recent bushfires.
Past governments have often forgotten about the Central Highlands region but, as a Council, we tend to punch above our weight. We know we can make things happen by being innovative and focusing on the strengths of the region, and by harnessing the energy and will to succeed in our community.
Mayor Roger Broomhall, George Town Council, Tasmania
I spent my early years in George Town, completing an electrical apprenticeship at Comalco Aluminium Bell Bay in the late 1960s. I then worked in Central Queensland for a few years and, later, spent six years in Papua New Guinea.
After returning to Tasmania I established and developed a stock food and saddlery business in Latrobe, which I conducted for eight years.
I returned to George Town about 14 years ago and I decided to run for a seat on Council, as I wanted to give something back to the community that had given me so much during my younger years. Now, I am in my eighth year on Council and this is my second year as Mayor.
I have a very strong commitment to the community of George Town and a desire to see our municipality reach its true potential.
A rich & diverse history
The township of George Town, which was first settled by Colonel William Patterson in 1804, was, at one time, to become the capital of Northern Tasmania. But then Launceston became established, and it was located on flat flood plains, which was highly desirable in those days.
Over the years, George Town developed from a sleepy fishing village at the head of the Tamar River to an important port that serviced the rich gold mines at nearby Lefroy.
Today, the municipality boasts Bell Bay, which is potentially the biggest port in Tasmania and is serviced by modern road and rail facilities.
George Town’s two main industries are Bell Bay Aluminium and Temco BHP Billiton, which contribute a great deal to the Tasmanian economy. We also have over 114 small to large industries located within the municipality’s industrial zone.
In general, George Town has a great mixture of heavy industry, small business, world-renowned vineyards, beautiful coastal and river villages, wonderful sandy beaches and a rich historical background.
Natural & cultural attractions
One of the most popular natural attractions in the area is Low Head, which features lighthouses, the oldest working Pilot Station in Australia, and penguin viewing at dusk.
At Hillwood we have a strawberry farm and fruit orchards, and in the Pipers River area there are several wonderful vineyards producing world-class sparkling, red and white wines. In fact, our local ‘Bay of Fires’ winery was recently awarded ‘Best Wine of the Show’ at the Sydney Wine Show for its 2011 Pinot Noir.
George Town and Low Head have three wonderful museums. The ‘Watch House’, which was built around 1855, has a wonderful model of early colonial George Town and a family history room, which has proved very popular for those tracing their early family heritage.
Then there is the ‘Bass & Flinders Centre’, which has a replica of the colonial sloop HM Norfolk in full sail inside the building, along with much of our early maritime history.
The ‘Pilot Station’ at Low Head also has an incredible maritime museum, featuring mementos and stories of local shipwrecks and boating on the Tamar River.
Nearby Mount George has a viewing platform that gives visitors a panoramic view over much of Bell Bay, George Town, the Tamar River, Low Head and right over Bass Strait. And for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle we have a number of popular beaches, walking tracks, two golf courses, and the sailing and fishing is great.
Community connections
Growing up in George Town and personally knowing many of the older residents in the township and across the municipality has allowed me to stay in touch with the community.
Having a chat and listening is a great way to engage with people, and to hear their ideas or any personal concerns they might have. Just a simple walk down our main street can turn into several hours of open communication and this, I believe, has contributed to the wonderful support I have in the community.
The position of Mayor is a full-time job for me, which enables me to keep up with what is happening in the community. I try to keep in touch with the residents and ratepayers in outlying areas by attending their local progress association meetings. I also have a committed group of councillors, many of who are leaders in the community in their own right.
Meeting George Town’s future
The George Town municipality has a wonderful future. We have great natural assets and, although we face some challenging issues, we have great opportunities to develop and grow our industries and businesses and establish our region as a mecca for tourism in Tasmania.
We also have tremendous facilities and hope to attract young families and retirees seeking lifestyle advantages to consider George Town municipality as ‘the’ place to be.
We have excellent education facilities, a modern hospital and medical centre, retirement homes and the region provides for rural, village, water and commuter lifestyles. The area has local employment opportunities and we are only 40 minutes away from Launceston, the second largest urban area in Tasmania.
I believe that George Town and its surrounding river and coastal villages will become extremely attractive to people from the mainland seeking a sea change or those who want to escape the intensity of crowded cities and suburbia, or from areas impacted by climactic change or natural disaster.
