David Metcalf, General Manger
General Manger of Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, David Metcalf, worked for private enterprise in Queensland, before making the shift to leafy East Coast Tasmania.
In the role since 2007, Metcalf has overseen the revitalisation of the area after a decline in the forestry industry significantly weakened the local economy.
He was nominated as a High Achiever by Councillor Jenny Woods, who said, “David is a workaholic. The passion he has for his municipality is second to none.
“He is always looking forward and has great vision for the area. He does this for people of all communities, not for any accolades.”
Metcalf told Local Government Focus he has “always had a passion for improvement of companies’ bottom lines and general business improvement.”
His first job was as an assistant accountant for a large transport company in Queensland whilst studying an accounting degree part time. From there he worked for various companies in account management roles, until moving into the local government sector.
“I have been working in local government since July 2002. I have worked in Tasmania for the West Coast Council, Kentish Council, and now Glamorgan Spring Bay Council where I have been General Manager since September 2007.”
Metcalf said he takes great pride in the area: “The municipality of Glamorgan Spring Bay is situated amongst some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Tasmania.”
The population of the Glamorgan Spring Bay local government area is 4190 people. It is bounded by the Denison River in the North and the base of Bust Me Gall Hill in the South. The western boundary essentially follows the ridgeline of the Eastern Tierswhich. It is 160 kilometres from end to end and contains two significant National Parks, Freycinet and Maria Island.
Tourism has become vital to the municipality, said Metcalf.
“We have recently been involved in the launch of the Great Eastern Drive to really highlight the beautiful East Coast of Tasmania touring route.
“It most certainly rivals the Great Ocean Road as one of the world’s great drives. Tourism, agriculture, aquaculture and other marine industries are a very important part of our local economy.”
Metcalf said the most satisfying success he has overseen in the area is the continued improvement of the Triabunna port area.
“When I came here in 2007 the port infrastructure was falling into the sea. Since that time we have a new commercial wharf, a tourism boat operator wharf, and 55 marina berths.
“This has seen the revitalisation of a town in dramatic decline from the closure of the one industry it relied on, forestry. Real estate, business confidence and general wellbeing have all improved.”
“We are currently working on several large projects within the municipality that will change our area forever. With the demise of the forestry industry we were required to refocus especially on Triabunna and use our greatest asset the natural marine and coastal environment.
“To this end we have built a new commercial wharf and now have up to 55 marina berths with approximately 30 on a waiting list to lease marina berths.
“There are also several large projects that we are working on, with Tassal opening up a processing plant shortly, a developer looking at the site of the former chip mill as a tourism development worth $50 million and Solis/Eastcoaster, which includes a residential estate, tavern, accommodation, and golf course development at Louisville Point worth around $60 million.”
Metcalf counts his highlight of working at Glamorgan Spring Bay Council as “being part of a wonderful management team and part of great team of workers at all levels.
“The pride of our employees who now have the skills to manage and build major infrastructure and to see the pride they exhibit to the public has certainly been the highlight.”
He said his favourite aspect of working in local government is “the benefit of being able to see the difference one makes.
“Local government is truly where you are closest to the community and can influence how people live their lives at the grass roots level day to day.”
