West Coast Council

11/09/2026

Please see below information regarding a Fuel Reduction Burn in a crown land area of Macquarie Harbour.

🔥ℹ️ Macquarie Harbour - Unallocated Crown Land…

Weather permitting, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a fuel reduction burn:
ℹ️ on Saturday, 12 September 2026
ℹ️ at Macquarie Harbour - Unallocated Crown Land
ℹ️ of approximately 277 hectares
ℹ️ which will likely take 1-2 days to complete.

Further information about this burn is available by contacting Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service on 6464 3008.

This burn is part of the state-wide Fuel Reduction Program which is aimed at reducing the bushfire risk to help protect lives and communities.

📌 A map of planned fuel reduction burns is available at - www.fire.tas.gov.au/Show?pageId=colWhatsBurningNow

11/09/2026

Please see below advice regarding a Fuel Reduction Burn in the Ocean Beach Conservation Area

🔥ℹ️ Macquarie Harbour - Ocean Beach Conservation Area…

Weather permitting, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a fuel reduction burn:
ℹ️ on Saturday, 12 September 2026
ℹ️ at Macquarie Harbour - Ocean Beach Conservation Area
ℹ️ of approximately 182 hectares
ℹ️ which will likely take 1-2 days to complete.

Further information about this burn is available by contacting Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service on 6464 3008.

This burn is part of the state-wide Fuel Reduction Program which is aimed at reducing the bushfire risk to help protect lives and communities.

📌 A map of planned fuel reduction burns is available at - www.fire.tas.gov.au/Show?pageId=colWhatsBurningNow

11/09/2026

Please see below important information from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania regarding bird flu and bird owners.

🐦 Calling all bird owners. Help protect Tasmania's pet and domestic birds.

Whether you own parrots, budgies, canaries, pigeons, poultry kept as pets, or other domestic birds, registering your birds is a simple way to stay informed and prepared.

By registering, you'll receive important updates and practical advice about H5 bird flu and any measures that may affect bird owners in Tasmania.

✅ Get timely alerts and advice

✅ Stay up to date about local risks and response activities

✅ Find practical guidance to help protect your birds

✅ Play your part in strengthening Tasmania’s biosecurity

Registering your birds also helps us plan and respond more effectively, helping to minimise impacts on bird owners and communities now that H5 bird flu has been detected in Tasmania.

📋 Register your birds here: https://forms.biosecurity.tas.gov.au/forms/v1-register-domestic-birds

Together, we can help protect the health and wellbeing of Tasmania's pet and domestic birds.

11/09/2026

🙏 Thank you!

Council has wrapped up its review of the 2026 Community Conversations program — and we want to thank everyone who shared their ideas, concerns and experiences. Your feedback is helping shape a stronger, more accessible program for the whole West Coast.

From February to June, sessions were held in Zeehan, Rosebery, Tullah and Queenstown. These informal conversations gave residents the chance to speak directly with Councillors and senior staff. Strahan didn't have a separate session due to waterfront development meetings already underway.

A survey followed, with 37 responses received. You told us you’d like:

• Clearer agendas and a mix of formal and informal discussion
• More inclusive facilitation, accessible venues & Strahan included
• Daytime options, warmer‑month scheduling and more notice
• Better follow‑up, including written notes and updates

Informed by the feedback, Councillors endorsed a refreshed approach at the August meeting, and these improvements will be developed after the October local government elections.

🌐 To read the survey feedback and more about Community Conversations: https://www.westcoast.tas.gov.au/community-conversations/

11/09/2026

📣 Clear Our & Cash In!

Over two big weekends on 7–8 and 14–15 November 2026, households, schools, community groups and local businesses across the West Coast are encouraged to join thousands of Australians for the final national Garage Sale Trail before the initiative closes its roller doors for good.

Participating is a fantastic way for local residents to clear out clutter and make or save some extra cash.

How to get involved:
• Host a sale - it’s free to register. Sellers receive tips, promotional materials and more to help make their sale a success.
• To register a sale or search for local events on the trail, visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au/West-Coast

11/09/2026

🗳️ Let's clear up a few common misconceptions about Local Government Elections:

❌ MYTH: Council chooses who wins the election.
✅ FACT: The Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) independently conducts the election. West Coast Council does not run the election or determine the outcome.

❌ MYTH: You have to live on the West Coast to vote.
✅ FACT: While most voters are residents, some non-residents may also be eligible to vote through the General Manager's Roll, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

❌ MYTH: Voting happens at polling booths.
✅ FACT: Local Government Elections in Tasmania are conducted by postal ballot. Voting papers are sent to enrolled voters by mail.

Knowing the facts helps you be election ready.

Find out more about the 2026 Local Government Elections by visiting the Tasmanian Electoral Commission website: https://www.tec.tas.gov.au/

10/09/2026

Today is

If you feel something’s not quite right with someone you know, take a moment to ask “Are you OK?”.

You don’t need to be an expert — ask, listen without judgement, encourage action, and check in.

Meaningful conversations help build a more connected community, and strong relationships boost our wellbeing. Every day is a good day to reach out.

The R U OK? Team will be on the West Coast 28-30 September with free community breakfasts and BBQ lunches in Queenstown, Strahan, Zeehan and Rosebery.

Drop in for resources, tips and a chat.

For more information, visit ruok.org.au.

A conversation could change a life.

10/09/2026

♻️ Clear out the clutter - Kerbside Collection is back!

Twice a year West Coast Council offers a free kerbside collection for larger items, with the next collection scheduled:

🗓️ Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 November 2026

This service helps residents safely dispose of unwanted household items that cannot go in your regular bins, supporting cleaner streets and a healthier environment.

✅ What to do:
• Plan - organise a working bee on your property and start sorting those items you don't need anymore
• Separate materials as required and ensure items are safe to collect
• Register – only items that are registered will be collected

ℹ️ Important: Not all items are accepted. Please check the full guidelines, including what can and can’t be placed out, collection rules and safety requirements.

👉 Find all details (and register) here:
www.westcoast.tas.gov.au/residents/property/waste-and-recycling/free-kerbside-collection/

09/09/2026

📣 West Coast Tourism Industry Update

The team from the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania & regional tourism organisation West by North West (WXNW) will be on the West Coast next week for a free, informal industry update covering:

- EV Ready Tasmania - the program built to help operators confidently welcome EV travellers
- Tassie Tourism Ambassador Program
- Tourism Toolbox resources
- insurance advocacy and support

Tourism business owners, operators, managers, staff and local industry representatives are all welcome.

Operators can ask questions, share feedback and catch up with the team.

📅 Tuesday 15 September
⏰ 3.30–4.30 pm
📍 The Ballroom, Penghana, Queenstown

🎟️ Although the event is free registrations are important to help with planning.
Register here:
https://events.humanitix.com/tict-west-coast-tourism-industry-update

09/09/2026

📢 What's On Wednesday!

Events. Workshops. Fundraisers - tell the community what's happening in your neck of the woods!

Each Wednesday is your chance to help spread the word about what’s happening across the West Coast.

👉 Community groups, sporting clubs, local businesses and organisations comment below with the details and help keep our community connected and informed