Brighton’s growth aims in writing

Tony Foster says Vision 2050 will guide the way by identifying long-term priorities

OVER the next three decades, the population of the Brighton Municipality on Hobart’s northern outskirts is expected to double to be home to up to 36,000 people, projected to make it bigger than the cities of Burnie and Devonport.

In anticipation, Brighton Council adopted a strategy to guide the municipality over the next 30 years. Council’s 2050 Vision was developed with community engagement and consultation over several months with hundreds of residents, businesses, visitors and other stakeholders. It is a statement of the community’s collective aspirations. By imagining how Brighton could be in 2050, we are creating a way to make it happen.

With the doubling of our population, more than $1 billion is expected to be invested in industrial and commercial developments. This is on top of government projects such as the replacement Bridgewater bridge and new Brighton High School. Council’s annual revenue is expected to grow to $56 million and expenditure will be about $1 million less than this.

The council believed it was important to have a shared view of the direction we wanted to take. By engaging with community, we have a bold, optimistic plan. The vision lays out our goals, and acknowledges and responds to environmental, social and economic challenges.

It focuses on things the council can influence, and on council responsibilities as a provider of services, regulator, facilitator and advocate for the municipality.

The consultation showed the community wanted council to focus on six areas. These represent the heart of the 2050 vision and are outlined under the headings of a thriving place, a proud community, a good life at every stage, a comfortable home, a caring council and a sustainable environment.

The focus areas contain recommended actions.

Collectively, we see Brighton thriving as a destination for business, learning and creation.

It is comfortable, safe, clean and peaceful with services and facilities for all. Our community is proud and we embrace who we are now, while celebrating the past.

Our council cares and is progressive and consultative. It combines fair rates with great services. Our opportunities are for all, our environment is cherished, we act sustainably and are mindful of climate change.

The consultation process and the final 2050 vision document focused squarely on the issues Brighton Council has the power to shape and influence. This focus helps ensure the vision can truly be delivered and is in line with Brighton Council’s strategic planning.

Keeping an eye on the future is an important role for all councils so they can continue to best serve their communities over time and as circumstances change. Our council has a strong track record of responsible financial management, stable governance and a positive workplace culture. With our eye on the future, we are committed to building a sustainable and resilient community, enriched with diversity, vigour and vitality based on quality services and facilities to cater for our growing population.

Given this growth and the anticipated future growth along with the challenges that this brings, clear and welldeveloped strategies, planning and management are now more important than ever.

Our 2050 vision provides a clear summary of our aspirations and a blueprint for the next 30 years.

However, it does not end there. Council has determined to review the vision in the first 12 months after each full fouryear council election to ensure it remains relevant and on track to be delivered.

The 2050 vision is available on Brighton Council’s website.

Tony Foster is Brighton’s Mayor. He is Tasmania’s longestserving mayor being first elected to the post in 1993 and has served continuously since. He retires later this year.

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Thousands of litres of dangerous substances stored in decaying containers for more than a decade at the port had turned the area into a minefield of chemical hazards, said chemical expert Michael Wentler.

“We found substances that, if mixed together, would lead to an explosion,” he said on Wednesday.