Councillors have unanimously adopted the West Tamar Growth Strategy and Infrastructure Plan at today’s ordinary December council meeting, setting a clear path for sustainable development in one of Tasmania’s fastest-growing regions.

Mayor Christina Holmdahl highlighted the municipality’s rapid expansion.

“West Tamar has been one of the fastest-growing areas in Tasmania for several years. Projections indicate that by 2046, our population could increase by up to 7300 people,” she said.

“To accommodate this growth, we’ll need to build a significant number of new homes — approximately 130 to 160 each year.

“That’s why it’s crucial to act now, ensuring we have suitable land for housing and robust infrastructure in place, rather than playing catch-up later.”

The Strategy offers long-term blueprint on housing locations, land use, and infrastructure planning.

“It creates a roadmap for managing growth while preserving our natural spaces and the unique qualities that make West Tamar an exceptional place to live, work, and invest,” Mayor Holmdahl said.

“Ultimately, it’s about optimising existing services, promoting housing choice and affordability, and safeguarding the character of our towns, villages, and rural areas.”

Council partnered with SGS Economics and Planning to develop the strategy.

Through an extensive public engagement process, multiple growth scenarios were explored and consulted upon.

Community and stakeholder feedback, combined with technical analysis, led to the selection of ‘gentle densification’ as the preferred approach.

This involves targeted densification around the townships of Riverside, Legana, and Exeter, alongside growth consolidation and lifestyle areas throughout the municipality.

The final strategy incorporates input from community consultations on the draft version.

It will also support developers, landowners, planning consultants, and Council in preparing and evaluating proposals for Planning Scheme Amendments and land rezoning.