Gavin Pearce (Braddon, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In the electorate of Braddon, which covers the north-west, the west coast and King Island are eight great local councils who are all doing an outstanding job of representing those who live and work in the region. It used to be said that the role of local government was roads, rates and rubbish. However, this is no longer the case. Over decades, councils' responsibility has expanded significantly. Local governments are the cornerstone of our regional communities and they are there to make sure that things function as they should on a day-to-day basis. Modern councils provide the range of services and facilities that our communities expect and deserve—roads, rates and rubbish, absolutely—but they're also there to plan and for building control, business and economic development, environmental management, and human and community services. Councils are the catalyst for building an area's local identity. They are at the forefront of building social cohesion, and the list goes on.

I have great faith in our region's local councils. I have great faith in the mayors and the elected representatives who represent their constituencies and fight hard for their communities. I have faith in the general managers and the administration staff, who work tirelessly every day to deliver services to their communities. That is why I welcome the budget announcement that the Morrison government will provide an additional $1 billion for local governments through their Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. This investment builds on the $500 million previously announced in May this year. This funding is a vote of confidence for our local governments' capacity to deliver projects. It will facilitate grassroots, community led recoveries right across the region. The funding will empower local governments in our region to deliver the roads and community infrastructure projects that are on their wish lists. These programs will progress shovel-ready local priorities, support local jobs, and support local businesses, and that's a great thing.

Braddon's eight councils have been fantastic. They've been a fantastic support to me since my election and they have been instrumental in supporting the rollout of many of the Morrison government's key investments in the region. Right across the north-west, the west coast and King Island, projects of significance are progressing, and it could not have happened at a better time.

At the Latrobe Council I would like to recognise Mayor Peter Freshney, General Manager Gerald Monson and their team for the work they are doing on the Camp Banksia upgrade, the Latrobe township flood mitigation measures and the Perkins Park upgrades.

At Devonport City Council I would like to recognise the work of Mayor Annette Rockliff, General Manager Matthew Atkins and their team, who are overseeing the significant Devonport Waterfront Precinct Living City Urban Renewal Project, which will transform the city, as well as the Spirit of Tasmania vehicle entry point and East Devonport upgrades.

At the Central Coast Council, Mayor Jan Bonde and General Manager Sandra Ayton have their team working hard on two projects: the Ulverstone Cultural Precinct, and the Penguin Foreshore remediation and upgrade, which, when complete, will give visitors and locals yet another reason to visit the picturesque seaside town.

Burnie is a town on the move, and I want to thank Mayor Steve Kons and his team for the work that they're doing progressing the new University of Tasmania campus, which will have a long-lasting and positive outcome for the Greater Burnie region.

The Waratah Wynyard Council are currently working on Somerset's important Anzac Park all abilities playground, a great initiative. Thanks to Mayor Robby Walsh, General Manager Shane Crawford and their team for their work on this project and the other projects that are currently in the pipeline.

Things are happening in Circular Head. A big shout-out to Mayor Daryl Quilliam, General Manager Scott Riley and their team for overseeing a range of projects, including the Duck River Meadows development and environmental projects targeting the restoration of the river.

The West Coast mountain bike track and project will be a game changer for the region. I want to thank the Mayor Phil Vickers, General Manager Dave Midson and their team for doing a fantastic job in juggling the project and many other exciting developments in the region.

On King Island, Mayor Julie Arnold, General Manager Greg Alomes and their team are working hard as well. They are progressing the King Island Hub initiative, making sure they maximise their potential on that great island.

Thanks to everybody who works in councils and the services that you do every day. I encourage anyone who sees their local mayor, councillor or council administration staff to make sure you say thanks for their great work.