Stacey Sheehan tells Stanley Business of Living City Example

The construction of a facility that will build wind turbines for offshore wind farms broke ground this week, but there are still some groups that are pushing back against the plan.

Small towns facing big changes, like Stanley, could benefit from state-funded expert help, business figure and recent Liberal candidate Stacey Sheehan says.

The Circular Head town is divided over proposals for a wind farm nearby and offshore salmon farming, as well as a big wind farm planned for Robbins Island.

Speaking at a Stanley Chamber of Commerce event, Ms Sheehan suggested chambers lobby directly for state government funding.

"They are aware that small towns across the state want to work on strategic directions for growth and could assist with funding for a planning consultant," Ms Sheehan said.


SharePlay Video
2m 50s

Fishermen and wind farms must learn to coexist, says MEP

The European Commission wants 30% of electricity production to come from offshore wind turbines, as part of its 2050 carbon neutrality target, but this increase in wind farms is affecting fisheries.

She suggested expert advice could be funded to help small towns future proof their economies, "activate" high streets and with increasing population when needed,


The former Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry president believes small towns can need help developing master plans for their futures, rather than simply dealing with proposals as they come along.

Stanley. Picture: Brodie Weeding.
Stanley. Picture: Brodie Weeding.

She told the Stanley chamber about the Living City master plan's impact on the Devonport economy.

Ms Sheehan said the Living City master plan process was difficult at times for the Devonport City Council and "stakeholders" including the Devonport chamber, but, ultimately, the majority of the community agreed with the plan.

She said many people now acknowledged Living City had driven enormous growth and investment in Devonport.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Report says Project Marinus can push down Tasmanian power prices
Mengha teen's perfect performance a first for eisteddfod - WATCH HIM PLAY
Small Gains: Tasmania's court-mandated diversion tackling addiction
Rosebery-Toorak coach desperate to address player shortage
Ms Sheehan said business chambers could play useful roles in master planning processes through measures including:

joining peak bodies which could provide information;
collaborating with other chambers, which would carry more weight with government;
digital investment, in areas including websites and social media; and
following the Devonport City Council's example of choosing community champions to "relaunch the master plan as it deals with a jaded community that has seen too many plans come and go".
The Stanley chamber recently called for the Circular Head Council to hold a plebiscite to gauge community opinions on the two wind farms and Petuna's potential salmon farming operations.

"The majority rules," Mr Atkins said.


Legally, council planning decisions are required to be made on planning grounds under planning laws.

Source:
https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/7315804/living-city-case-state-funded-experts-could-aid-small-towns/