Rich Agriculture
The City of Devonport is centrally located in the beautiful North West Coast region of Tasmania and is the entree to a buffet of regional sensations for visitors arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania ferries and through Devonport Airport.
Our city is bounded by river, ocean and mountains, with over 25,600 residents enjoying a relaxed, yet progressive lifestyle.
We boast a safe, pristine environment with friendly and welcoming people.
It is a pleasure to have served as an Alderman for five years and Mayor for the past three, having become involved in Local Government though community interest and in fighting for the retention of medical services at our local hospital, the Mersey Community Hospital.
Recently, as a result of Local Government elections, the community has graciously granted me the opportunity to continue serving.
Although the municipality is small in area for Tasmania, at only 114 square kilometres, it is the centre of a rich agricultural district which produces over 40 percent of Tasmania’s vegetable crops (beans, onions, peas and potatoes) and very significant values of cereals, oil poppies, pyrethrum and other crops.
Dairy production and processing is also significant.
Secondary industry includes process of agricultural products, representing a large share of total Australian production.
The region also produces cement of which large tonnages are exported through the port.
We are a resilient community who pulls together in the face of adversity.
Our transition from an industry driven economy, to one based on futuristic jobs is ongoing and something Council is passionate about.
Creating Jobs
Council’s ‘LIVING CITY’ master plan is a real plan for the city’s future, which will result in over $250 million in investment in the city, over a five to eight year construction period.
It will provide up to 1,000 ongoing jobs in a region that is struggling with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.
We aim to fulfil our role as the retail and service hub of North Western Tasmania and create three distinct precincts, which will highlight our tourism, arts, food and services.
It will provide massive economic benefits for the region, with initial modelling indicating the flow on effect to the regional economy will be in excess of $500 million annually.
Our challenge is to now deliver the plan and in doing so, create a Devonport that provides more opportunities for our young people.
We will develop an identity for Devonport that we can be proud of and one which can be handed down to future generations with a sense of pride and passion.
It is also pleasing that we have embarked on the path to become a ‘Learning Community’, with a strong focus on the future.
We are working with a great group of people and organisations from within the community who are passionate about developing and promoting a culture in which learning is valued and supported.
Feet on the ground
Citizenship ceremonies are always memorable moments, meeting and welcoming new members of our community.
Australia Day ceremonies are also a highlight of the calendar and one that is celebrated by all of Devonport.
Another memorable moment, but probably for the wrong reasons, was completing a double barrelled overhead backflip into the pool at the opening of the Splash Devonport Aquatic Centre.
Memorable, but probably should have had a spray tan prior!
The best advice ever received was to ‘make sure you keep your feet firmly planted on the ground’ and by working with groups like Heaven’s Kitchen, Gran’s Van, school breakfast clubs and the service industries, it certainly provides a reality check.
Another key piece of advice I received was to ‘listen to the community and represent their views as fairly as you can’.
Outside of Council, my interests lie with young people, having founded and continued mentoring the not for profit teenage committee Enormity Inc.
I believe our young people are today’s consultants for tomorrow’s world. We can learn much from them.
Other interests include the National Sea Highway Coalition (Bass Strait), State Freight Logistics Committee (Bass Strait) and the Australian Masters Games Committee. Of course my two granddaughters Ilse (5) & Edie (4) are certainly a centre of attention and I very much enjoy reading to them.
The three qualities I appreciate most in people are a sense of community, honesty and passion.
