New plan for more housing and services to lure workers to West Coast

It’s quiet. Too quiet. But that could all change if all goes to plan on the West Coast. See how industries hope to attract new workers to the region.

Queenstown Revival main street, Queenstown Tasmania. 02/03/2023 photo - Peter Mathew

Tasmania’s West Coast could transform from ghost towns into a thriving hub of activity, if all goes to plan, as the state government the council and stakeholders put their heads together to tackle the population problems of the region.

On Friday, the Premier, West Coast Council, Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC), Salmon Tasmania, Hydro Tasmania, West Coast Renewables and Regional Development Tasmania signed a memorandum of understanding to enact a plan to attract more workers to the area.

On the West Coast between Queenstown and Tullah. Picture: PATRICK GEE

West Coast mayor Shane Pitt said the regions declining population had affected many industries, and there was one big issue getting in the way.

“Many businesses are struggling with lack of housing,” Mr Pitt said.

“On the back of the housing is quality housing as well, there’s a lot of nice housing on the west coast, most are taken up by the residence here.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Shane Pitt.

Mr Pitt said there were many industries that would need new homes for workers to continue growing.

“Most of our mining industry, when the Mt Lyle mine opens up, will need housing,” Mr Pitt said.

“There’s going to be a need for new accommodation in Zeehan … Hydro over at Tullah, they’ll need housing there too.

Mr Pitt said it created a flow on effect for those already living on the West Coast.

“The other thing also is services on the West Coast, education and health, it’s a struggle to get nurses and teachers here,” he said.

“We used to have operating theatres in our hospitals … the hospital has got an xray machine but it’s only a couple of day a week someone can operate that.

“A lot more allied health services should come to the West Coast, we’ll get these services for a day or so, it’d be good to see them full time.”

The Premier and stakeholders at the signing of an MoU in Queenstown.

As part of the MOU, stakeholders want improved accommodation, infrastructure and amenity and better liveability.

“I don’t think we’ll get to city status, but it’ll be good to some of the services returned to the West Coast we’ve lost because of our decline in population,” Mr Pitt said.

TMEC CEO Ray Mostogl said market forces alone weren’t enough to attract Tasmanians to live and work on the West Coast.

“All arms of government have a role to play as does industry in this quest. It is too much for any one entity to realistically tackle on their own,” Mr Mostogl said.

“Western Tasmania has the natural resources to see mining, aquaculture and renewable electricity all lift their current outputs and in doing so add to the state coffers which supports the rest of the state.

“No where else in Tasmania does such an opportunity exist across multiple sectors.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the MOU was an important step.

“Our government has a vision for Tasmania’s regions that ensures they have the infrastructure, services and people they need to thrive and attract investment for sustained growth and prosperity,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We know by working together, by sharing ideas, by collaborating and most importantly by involving and listening to our community we can help grown and support our communities to be thriving, welcoming place to live and visit.”