skills matching – the Tasmanian government has launched a new $1.5 million Train Now Fund which will subsidise training for existing workers and sole traders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will mean employers are ready to resume normal operations with stronger capabilities and boost their sustainability and future productivity. Under the program, registered training organisations provide training for local employers and workers in any sector to gain new or enhanced skills, and this will enable businesses to increase future productivity to support economic recovery and growth.
Train Now Fund applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis until 30 September 2020, or until available funds are fully committed. More information is available on the Skills Tasmania website
Lower Gordon River Recreation Zone Plan – Tasmanians are invited to help shape a plan for the lower Gordon River that will provide sustainable visitor experiences while protecting the natural and cultural values of one of the most visited locations in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. A report is now available to help guide discussions on the new Recreation Zone Plan; it provides information on the current issues affecting the lower Gordon River, which will help to inform submissions from the public. Key issues include ensuring visitation by motorised vessels is consistent with the protection of the river’s fragile banks, while also maintaining a quality wilderness experience. Further public consultation on the draft plan will be held later this year when safe to do so in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the Background Report for the Recreation Zone Plan here. Feedback can be submitted to [email protected].
eat local – Eat Well Tasmania has launched a new app in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The app, called ‘We Eat Local’ makes it easier for Tasmanians to buy fresh local produce and support Tasmanian food producers by purchasing and consuming their produce. You can download either Android or Apple version of the app from the EWT site.
West Tamar Highway – consultation is now open for feedback on the West Tamar Highway between the Launceston CBD and McEwans Road, north of Legana. The Department of State Growth is undertaking a study on this section of roadto identify options to improve safety and connectivity between West Tamar communities and Launceston for all modes of transport. This corridor study is being done in conjunction with a feasibility study for a new Tamar River Crossing.
Feedback on the current corridor study can be provided via an online interactive map, available on the Transport website www.transport.tas.gov.au/
Tasmania Project – how are you experiencing and adapting to life in the time of COVID-19? What do you need and want now, and for the future? The University of Tasmania has established The Tasmania Project to give you a voice and to gather important information during and beyond the pandemic. They are seeking Tasmanian residents to participate in surveys and/or interviews with their research team from the Institute for Social Change. What you tell them will help Tasmanians work together through the pandemic and support recovery for a strong future. Find out more here.
rural water use – Tasmanians are being invited to have their say on how our valuable rural water resources are used in the coming decades. The Rural Water Use Strategy, due for completion in early 2021, will guide the state’s future water management arrangements. The Strategy aims to ensure sustainable outcomes for irrigators, rural communities and the environment and maintain Tasmania’s competitive advantages in a changing climate.
Public comment on the Rural Water Use Strategy Position Paper is open until 5pm on Friday 26 June 2020 and can be viewed on the DPIPWE website. Feedback can be provided via email to: water[email protected]
Have a suggestion for something to include in Good Citizen? Contact us with Good Citizen in the subject line.
