News
- Ostrea angasi Oysters - Fact Sheet
- Fingal Affordable Housing Project
- The Future of Local Government Review
- Domestic Violence is NEVER ok.
- Latest Council Newsletters
What’s Happening?
Georges Bay has some of the best remaining Ostrea angasi oyster reefs in Australia. These oysters were heavily harvested from these reefs around the nation in the past, reducing the extent of the reefs to less than 10% of what they used to be according to a recent report. Despite this, the oyster reefs in Georges Bay are still strong and healthy, even with regular boating, fishing, growth of St Helens and sustainably managed commercial harvesting of angasi oysters.
You can find a copy of the Draft Report Here: consultation_document_ostrea_angasi_oyster_reefs_sa
What’s the Issue?
A new report from the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water describes ‘Ostrea angasi oyster reefs of southern Australia’ as a marine ecological community. The report tentatively finds that the Georges Bay reef community meets criteria of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) for listing it as Critically Endangered.
This is because the extent of the six remaining communities in southern Australia represents around 3% of what it was in the past. Georges Bay likely has the biggest and best examples of these communities in the southern hemisphere. This is significant considering that Georges Bay also supports commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture, boating, tourism, and is located right in the heart of the largest township on the East Coast of Tasmania, St Helens.
You can find a copy of the Draft Conservation Advice for Ostrea angasi oyster reefs of southern Australia report here.
Council was asked to comment on the report and share its thoughts on:
- The tentative assessment that the oyster reefs qualify for listing as a nationally threatened community.
- Questions in the report about the reef community and its management.
- If we had extra information that might help with the finalising the report.
What Happens Next?
Feedback, such as ours and additional information from other stakeholders will be used to finalise the report, which will be sent on to the Minister responsible for the EPBC Act for a final decision on listing the reefs.
In considering the draft report, Council organised an online briefing session with experts from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, with Councillors and relevant staff attended. The listing and draft report were presented and discussed at the Council meeting on 17 March, with Council agreeing to make a submission supporting the tentative assessment but also raised concerns that the Bay’s community benefits and activities should be allowed to continue. This was based on the fact that the angasi community in Georges Bay is still thriving despite the level activity already occurring. You can find a copy of the submission here.
Council’s Position & What It Means for our community
Council believes in balancing conservation with ongoing community activities and has made this clear in our letter to the Department. This is in line with our Strategic Plan which supports protecting nature while making sure people can still enjoy and use the Bay responsibly.
- A Special Natural Environment: The Ostrea angasi reefs in Georges Bay are a unique and valuable part of our local marine environment. These reefs not only support marine biodiversity but also enhance water quality by filtering the bay’s waters. Their presence makes Georges Bay a special place, offering locals and visitors the chance to enjoy a pristine and ecologically significant waterway.
- Living with Industry: The reefs have remained healthy with extensive oyster farming in the Bay, boating, fishing and the growth of St Helens. This demonstrates responsible industry, development and the conservation of the natural environment can work hand in hand, benefiting both the community and the local economy.
- Sustainable Practices: The sustainably managed commercial harvesting of Ostrea angasi oysters from these reefs has provided valuable scientific data that helps researchers understand the nature and healthy condition of the reefs. This knowledge and experience is helping inform decisions about conservation efforts and ensuring the reefs continue to thrive and produce for years to come.
- Will This Affect Boating & Fishing? If the reef community is listed as threatened under the EPBC Act, activities that significantly damage them—such as actions that reduce their extent or disrupt their natural processes—would have to be considered to manage them so the reef community is not pushed further towards extinction. Everyday activities like boating, fishing, and oyster farming, which have coexisted with the reefs for decades, are not expected to be affected in the short term. The listing would simply mean the Act requires us to do what we have been getting right, and continue looking after reefs in Georges Bay.
- Looking Ahead: Protecting these reefs ensures that Georges Bay remains a thriving and healthy waterway for future generations. Conservation efforts would support the continued enjoyment of the Bay for recreation, tourism, and industry, making it an even more attractive destination. Council is committed to preserving this balance, ensuring the environment, community, and local economy all benefit from a sustainable future.
For more information:
You can find a video from the Nature Conservancy on the Georges Bay angasi Oyster reef below:
You can find the Draft report and more information from the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment here: https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/ostrea-angasi-oyster-reefs-of-southern-australia.
And links for more information on
- the EPBC Act,
- it’s processes for listing of threatened biodiversityand
——————————————————————————————————-
https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/ostrea-angasi-oyster-reefs-of-southern-australia
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/nominations
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/approvals
FYI – in DCCEEW report with reef Pic: “Ostrea angasi oyster reef © Chris Gillies, The Nature Conservancy”
Updated: 28/09/2023
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO LEASE PUBLIC LAND
Date of Notice: 30th September, 2023
In accordance with section 178 of the Local Government Act 1993 the Break O’Day Council gives notice to lease part of the land at 29 Talbot Street, Fingal to Centacare Evolve Housing for a period of 10 years.
A plan for the proposed area can be found here
A copy of the Notice may be found here.
Any objection to the proposed lease of this public land may be made in writing to the General Manager, 32-34 Georges Bay Esplanade, St Helens 7216 by no later than close of business on 23rd October 2023.
Update: 9 May 2023
On the 26 April, Council staff, alongside representatives from CentaCare Evolve Housing held a community information forum about a Housing project proposed for Fingal. The meeting was held at the Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House where approximately 30 attendees spoke with CentaCare and Council staff and learned more about the project including looking at concept designs.
This proposed project would see eight Independent Living Units built on Council land located at 29 Talbot Street, behind the Old Council Chambers. The aim of this project is to provide much needed housing for those in our community who are currently on the Social Housing Register and desperately looking for Housing. The housing will be made available to those already living in Break O’Day over the age of 55.
Council has repeatedly heard from the community that we need to look at ways to provide housing solutions to those in need in our community and this project is one of the ways we are able to do this.
The majority of concerns which arise about these housing projects stems from a lack of knowledge around how Social Housing works – it is a totally different model to the old style community housing. CentaCare Evolve provide wrap around services for tenants who have a Tenancy Officer assigned to them. CentaCare also carefully select tenants for each unit and work with them to ensure they have all they need to integrate into our wonderful communities.
You can find a FAQ sheet on the proosed housing development here: Community FQ – 29 Talbot Rd Fingal
Learn more about CentaCare Evolve by clicking here:
If you would like to get in touch with CentaCare you can email them here: centacareevolve@aohtas.org.au
UPDATE; 2 August 2023
Council has just submitted its last submission on Council amalgamantions to the Future of Local Government Review Board.
Our submission includes our official position as well as a Community Engagement Report from an independant consultant appointed by Council.
The Community Consultation Report also includes the raw survey data.
You can find our submission here: FoLGR Stage 2 Interim Report – BODC Response
Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with Sheridan or take our survey.
UPDATE: 29 May 2023
The Future of Local Government Board has just released its Information Packs on their proposed catchment areas.
You can find the Info Pack HERE:
The Board has also released several Supporting Discussions, you can find these HERE
As part of these ongoing discussions the board would like to hear fromt the community – you can have your say through teh Future of Local Governemtn Review Website, HERE:
Break O’Day Council is also really eager to hear what our communtiy thinks about the proposed changes and we will be undertaking communtiy engagement. we are still planning how this will work and what it will look like. Keep an eye out for opportunities to have your feedback and thoughts heard on our website here, our Monthly Newsletter and our Facebook page.
UPDATE: 27 April 2023
The Local Government Board has now released its Stage 2 Review Papers.
These documents propose several municipal catchment areas as well as other recommendations making it really important that our community has its say.
You can find the most recent documents here:
Future of Local Government Stage 2 Summary Report
Future of Local Government Review Stage 2 Interim Report
UPDATE: 15 December 2022
The Local Government Board has now released its Options Papers (see below) and has opened up community consultation.
There are several ways you can get involved:
Go online to the interactive version of the Options Paper at www.engage.futurelocal.tas.gov.au and submit your answers to any or all the consultation questions.
Make a submission in an email or letter. The Board’s contact details are below:
Email: Submissions.LGBoard@dpac.tas.gov.au
Postal address: Future of Local Government Review GPO Box 123, HOBART, TASMANIA 7001
SUBMISSIONS FOR THE OPTIONS PAPER CLOSE 19 FEBRUARY 2023.
Regional community meetings:
In early February 2023, the Board will be visiting communities all around the State to hold town hall style meetings. You can register your interest in attending one of these sessions here, and we will be in touch with further updates in the near future.
Engagement with Tasmanian councillors and council staff will also be supported through a series of meetings (LGAT and LG Pro will provide more details shortly).
Sue Smith Chair LG Board – Letter to Councils re Options Paper Release
FoLGR – Stage 2 Options Paper Appendix
FoLGR Stage 2 Community Update
UPDATE: 25 July
The Local Government Board has now collated all feedback from the first round of consultation. You can find a report on their findings here: Stage 1 – Interim Report
The report has developed some themes with questions posed to the community and stakeholders under each theme which the Board is now asking for feedback on.
To find have your voice heard head to the Future of Local Government website.
You can also find more information on this project on our website here: Future of Local Government Review
The Tasmanian Government commissioned the Local Government Board to undertake a review of the role, function and design of Local Government in Tasmania. The Review will provide the Government with practical, evidence-based recommendations needed to ensure the future needs and aspirations of Tasmanians are met.
The Tasmanian Government has launched its Future of Local Government Review and it’s important that we all have our say on what this future may look like.
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There will be a pop-up session in St Helens on Saturday 26 March from 9am – 11am outside the Bay of Fires IGA where you can share your thoughts.
If you are unable to make this session you can still have your voice heard by taking the online survey here:
If you would like more information please head to our website where you will find information as well as relevant links.
https://www.bodc.tas.gov.au/council/local-government-review/
Did you know that almost 1 in 20 Tasmanian women have experienced violence? Or that 17% of Tasmanian women have experienced sexual
harassment? Even more worrying than these stats is that on average in Australia, one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner.
This is not good enough and we all must do more.
Break O’Day Council will not tolerate domestic violence in our community.
Domestic violence is defined by the Australian Government as including:
behaviour or threats that aim to control a partner by causing fear or threatening their safety.
Domestic and family violence can include:
• hitting;
• choking;
• denying essential money to the partner or family;
• isolating the partner from friends and family;
• insulting or constantly criticising the partner;
• forcing the partner to have sex; and
• threatening children or pets.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, they are not alone and there are a range of support services available to help. You can find information and links to support services at www.staysafefromviolence.tas.gov.au.
We have also included some
quick link phone numbers below.
• If you are in immediate danger, Call the Police on 000
Support services include:
• Safe at Home Family Violence Response – 1800 633 937
• 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
• Men’s Referral service to counsel men who use family violence –
1300 766 491
• LifeLine: 131114
• Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
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