THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY NEWS

Council kick-starts strategy for Huonville
Huon Valley Council has launched Huonville ReImagined, a major strategic planning project setting the long-term direction for the town’s future across five key precincts.
The project is backed by $4.69 million in Australian government funding through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program. In the first stage, the council will work with consultants to develop a Huonville-wide master plan, precinct plans and supporting technical studies and business cases. It will also build on the strategic direction set in the recently completed Huonville Residential and Commercial Precinct Structure Plan.
Five precincts are in the spotlight:
Activated Foreshore and Town Centre Precinct: exploring opportunities for Huonville’s riverfront and town centre, including flood resilience, transport connections, public spaces and future housing and civic uses;
Recreation and Education Precinct and Surrounds: understanding current and future recreation needs, identifying gaps in facilities, and improving connections and shared use between schools, sporting clubs and recreation facilities;
Residential Development Precinct: building on the recently completed structure plan, with a focus on its implementation, future housing options and better connections;
Hansen Orchards Area: exploring the future role and opportunities for this privately owned land as part of Huonville’s long-term planning;
Glen Road Precinct: investigating future business and employment opportunities, and the access, services and infrastructure needed to support the area.
This first stage will not involve detailed design or construction but will lay the groundwork for future stages of delivery as further funding and approvals are secured.
“This funding gives us a once-in-a-generation chance to plan properly for Huonville’s growth,” Mayor Doyle said. “It’s about setting a clear, considered direction and identifying the right projects, so that when the time comes to invest, we’re investing in the right places, in the right way. We want the community involved in this process while the plans are still just ideas on a page, not after the decisions are made.”
Community reference group
The council is calling for expressions of interest (EOIs) to join a community reference group (CRG), which will work alongside the project team throughout Huonville ReImagined, reviewing progress, testing ideas and helping shape the plans at key milestones.
Unlike a one-off survey or drop-in session, CRG members stay involved across the life of the project, offering local knowledge as the plans evolve. Members need not live in Huonville: the council wants to hear from anyone who regularly works, studies, shops or spends time in town.
Expressions of interest are now open, and will close Wednesday 16 September, with broader community consultation to follow later this year. Stage one must be delivered by 30 June 2027, so the council is seeking early feedback.
“If you’ve got a stake in Huonville’s future – whether you’ve lived here 40 years or just moved in – this is your chance to help steer it,” Mayor Doyle said.
Visit engage.huonvalley.tas.gov.au/huonville-reimagined website for more information on Huonville ReImagined, and to sign up for project updates or submit your EOI for the CRG.
Huon Valley Council media release

Snug River Track spruced up
Upgrades to the popular Snug River Track are now complete.
The refreshed track extends from the Channel Highway entrance through to the Snug Oval and Snug Beach area, providing improved access to the track.
“Recent upgrades to the track make it easier and more accessible for people to enjoy this popular walking route,” Cr Street said.
“The Snug River Track is one of Kingborough’s most loved local tracks, offering a beautiful riverside walk that combines stunning natural scenery with an important connection to local history.
“The walk showcases the best of the Snug River, including important Landcare revegetation work that is helping protect the riverbank and reduce coastal erosion.
“It also provides access to the 1967 Bushfire Memorial and its interpretive signage on the Snug foreshore.
“The track strengthens connections within our wider walking and cycling network, linking through to Pothana Road and providing access to the Snug to Margate Shared Path.
“The Snug River Track also features a Story Walk, which is great for children and families, sharing the story of Travelling Tasmanian Tigers by author and illustrator Margie Kirk.
“New signage has been installed on this track as part of a program that is being gradually rolled out across Kingborough’s broader track network to improve information and wayfinding,”
Cr Street said.
The Snug River Track is approximately
2.4 kilometres return and takes around 40 minutes to complete.
The track is suitable for walkers, cyclists and dogs on leads.
“Promoting our wonderful tracks across Kingborough is a timely reminder to be mindful of other track users and to slow down when passing on a bike.
“Visitors are also encouraged to take care along the Esplanade and to be aware of oysters at the river mouth, as their sharp shells can pose a hazard to kayakers and swimmers,” Cr Street said.
Parking is available at Snug Beach, with limited parking available at the Channel Highway entrance.
Kingborough Council

Join the biodiversity blitz
Huon Valley and Kingborough Councils are partnering with neighbouring councils to host a Biodiversity Blitz this September, encouraging residents to get outside and record the plants, animals and fungi they find in their backyard.
The Blitz will run from 15 to 30 September, with the Huon Valley and Kingborough Councils competing against Clarence City Council, City of Hobart,  Tasman Council and Glenorchy City Council to see which municipality can record the highest number of observations.
Taking part is simple and free. Download the iNaturalist app, take a photo of anything living you come across – an insect on a leaf, a fungus after rain, a native orchid on a bushwalk – and upload it. Every sighting added during the Blitz period counts towards your council’s tally.
Beyond the friendly competition, the blitz has a genuine conservation purpose. iNaturalist records feed into the state government’s Natural Values Database, which is used to inform development impact assessments and broader environmental decision-making across Tasmania. The more sightings recorded, the more complete the picture of biodiversity across the region.
Huon Valley Council has promised to add all Huon Valley observations made during the event to its dedicated project page, which also allows participants to see what others in the area have already found. Results from all participating councils will be compared through a shared regional project, with a winner announced after the event closes.
There’s no cost to take part and no registration required – just an interest in what’s living
around you.
How to get involved
Download the free iNaturalist app or visit inaturalist.org.
Record any plant, animal or fungus you spot in the Huon Valley or Kingborough between 15 and 30 September. Your records will automatically be counted on the Huon Valley’s project page.
Find out more  at www.inaturalist.org/projects/biodiversity-blitz-2026-huon-valley or www.inaturalist.org/projects/biodiversity-blitz-2026-kingborough-council.
Huon Valley Council/
The Classifieds

Discover Franklin Forest
Join community forest stewards from Friends of Franklin Forest for a short guided walk through the beautiful Franklin Forest on Sunday 6 September at 10am.
Walkers will peer at fungi, crane their heads to tall trees, cock their ears to the calls of black cockatoos and keep a watch for the resident pair of nesting wedge-tailed eagles. The forest will just be nudging into spring. Like a sponge, the forest has soaked up the winter rain, storing moisture to see it through the drier months ahead. The moss loves it, the lichens love it. It will be past fungi frenzy season but guides still expect to find a few. Walkers might see the first sassafras coming into flower. Franklin Forest is home to beautiful stands of leatherwood, large old swamp gums, and myriad wonders, which walkers will slow down to contemplate.
The walk will take up to two hours. It is about 2 km long, but the pace will be slow to allow time to take in and discuss the beautiful surroundings. Meet at the Living Boat Trust in Franklin.
It is important that walkers wash their footwear as this is the best defence against introducing
soil-carried pathogens to wild places. Wear appropriate bushwalking gear: hiking shoes, beanies, warm layers and rain coats appropriate for the weather forecast. It’s always a few degrees cooler up on the hill.Bring water and snacks.
The track can be slippery and muddy after rain and involves some climbing over fallen trees. If you sometimes use walking poles, bring them along.
Bookings can be made via Eventbrite. Please cancel your booking via Eventbrite if you are no longer able to attend and email the organisers to let them know that you cannot make it. This will allow organisers to open the bookings for more people to attend.
If organisers have to make changes to the event or cancel due to bad weather you will be contacted by email. Please make sure you enter details and monitor your email.
You can contact Friends of Franklin Forest via friends.franklinforest@gmail.com. For more information about Franklin Forest, visit friends-of-franklin-forest.mailchimpsites.com.
Friends of Franklin Forest

Residents association advocates for Huon
The Huon Valley Residents and Ratepayers Association will hold its 10th AGM at the Huon Valley Hub in Huonville at 7pm on 10 September and invites all members of the public to attend.
HVRRA was formed to provide a voice for the community when Huon Valley Council was dismissed in 2016, and liaised with the commissioner appointed by then premier Peter Gutwein.
The association remained active during the following years, especially after the controversial appointment of Jason Browne as general manager. In his report the Auditor General described this as a “flawed process” which led to the resignation of three councillors, including the then mayor.
The council settled down significantly after the election of new councillors in 2024, the resignation of Mr Browne and the appointment of current CEO Lachie Kranz. HVRRA has been able to take a less active role, but public officer Pat Synge said there were still issues to consider that do not always get the attention they should.
As a member of the Planning Matters Alliance of Tasmania, HVRRA is currently lobbying members of the legislative council to make amendments to the Land Use Planning and Approvals (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill that was recently passed in the House of Assembly. This bill gives ministers broad powers to bypass councils and ignore local community concerns.
Council elections are due in October and HVRRA will again be holding a ‘meet the candidates’ session at 7pm in the Huonville Town Hall on Thursday 1 October.
For more information on HVRRA, visit www.huonvalley.org.au.
Pat Synge
Public Officer
Huon Valley Residents and Ratepayers Association

Boating and fishing update
Dru Point boat ramp, Margate
Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) appointed a contractor in August to construct a new lower-level extension to the northern landing stage. This extension will provide additional berthing options for personal watercraft at lower tides.
Gordon Jetty
Works began to repair the fire-damaged Gordon Jetty on 17 August and are expected to take approximately 12–14 weeks, depending on weather conditions. The public boat ramp and boat ramp walkway will remain open throughout construction.
MAST

Explore First Nations history at Peggys Beach
Join Nicole King, from the South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC), and Bridget Jupe, from Kingborough Council, for a guided nature walk at Peggys Beach Reserve on Wednesday 9 September from 10.30am
to 12pm.
Nestled along Electrona’s coastline, Peggys Beach Reserve offers a serene coastal retreat.
Walkers will gain a deeper understanding of the land. The walk will begin with an acknowledgement of country, honouring the traditional custodians and their connection to this place.
Walkers will learn about the rich plant life within the reserve from a First Nations perspective, including traditional knowledge of native plants and their uses. Walkers will also uncover the history of the reserve and explore how it has been used and cared for over the ages.
Places are limited and bookings are essential via events.humanitix.com/peggys-beach-connecting-with-country-walk. If you have booked a ticket and can no longer come, organisers ask that you cancel your ticket to free up your spot for someone else. You will receive a refund up to one day before the event.
The walk will begin from the Dickson Street entrance of Peggy’s Beach Reserve in Electrona. Bring water, a snack, sturdy shoes, waterproof clothing and binoculars if you like.
This will be a slow walk on a track with some uneven narrow sections and cliff edges.
This event is supported by the Kingborough Council and coordinated by the Kingborough Reconciliation Action Group (KRAG). KRAG is a local reconciliation action group, part of Reconciliation Tasmania’s Local Action Network.
KRAG brings together people interested in advancing reconciliation by nurturing knowledge, awareness, empathy, and respect for First Nations people.
For more information, contact Anne Warren on 0415 557 592 or email writeawarren@
gmail.com.
Kingborough Reconciliation
Action Group

Kettering gig for a cause
Join the Fuchsia House Ukulele Players and the Hobart Guitar Society for a delightful afternoon of live music at Kettering Community Hall on Sunday 13 September. The concert is a fundraiser for Kingborough Helping Hands.
From well-loved classics to contemporary favourites, this special concert brings together two of Hobart’s community music groups for an afternoon of entertainment, friendship and fun. Whether you’re a music lover, enjoy acoustic instruments, or simply appreciate supporting local community events, there’s something for everyone.
All profits will be donated to Kingborough Helping Hands, helping local individuals and families experiencing hardship.
Tickets are $10 per person. Doors open at 1.30pm for a 2pm start. Bookings can be made via Humanitix or with cash at the door subject to availability. Tea, coffee and homemade treats will be available.
Fuchsia House Ukulele Players

Cygnet Collective to continue after pub bid
The working group behind the unsuccessful community bid to buy Cygnet’s Commercial Hotel, more commonly known as the Bottom Pub, plans to continue with plans to create a Cygnet Collective.
The group announced on 13 August that its offer had been unsuccessful, and the pub went under contract to another buyer whose identity is not public, marking the conclusion of the collective’s acquisition campaign.
The working group plans to utilise the research it undertook, its community survey, and the groundwork for the purchase, to push for a co-operative that could exist independently of any one building.
The group said it had contacted the real estate agent to offer congratulations and support to the incoming owners, along with its community feedback and documentation, should it be of use to them. It said it wanted to see the Bottom Pub thriving and lively again, and that its campaign had produced a wealth of local ideas, interest and feedback that should inform whatever it becomes next.
“This is not the end of the plan to form the Cygnet Community Co-operative,” the group said in a statement on its website.
“A co-operative owned by locals, aimed at collectively acquiring local assets and building community wealth, is still a good idea regardless of this outcome. The formation will go ahead, with the intent of electing a board to investigate local needs, wants and opportunities.”
The group made a financial survey in its bid to buy the pub, which was completed by 145 people, 90 of whom were linkable by exact email address to an entry on the pledge register.
The group also asked what locals most wanted to see improved at the pub. The most popular wish was for outdoor seating and a beer garden away from the road. Others wanted to see local produce included on a changing menu, and an improved, better lit layout. A dog-friendly space and regular live music were also on respondents’ wishlist.
The Cygnet Community
Co-operative working group/
The Classifieds

Want to care for Kettering?
Did you know that Kettering Community Association has either undertaken, initiated, lobbied for or helped finance many improvements to amenities in the Kettering area? The association invites anyone interested in joining to come to its AGM on Thursday 10 September at Kettering Hall at 7pm and get involved. Phone 0402 118 548 for more information. The group was involved with  the establishment of Kettering Point and Trial Bay walking tracks, road footpath and car park improvments, the installation of benches and picnic tables, tree planting, and the installation of outdoor exercise equipment, to name but a few projects.
Kettering Community Association/The Classifieds

Health centre application submitted
The development application for stage 2 of the $30 million expansion of the Kingston Community Health Centre has been submitted to Kingborough Council.
The centre aims to provide more convenient and coordinated care by bringing services together under one roof, including maternity care, breast screening, child health, parenting support, paediatric outpatients, youth services, and child and youth mental health services.
Minister for health, mental health and wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the proposed expansion at the Kingston Park site would increase the capacity and scope of services available to the community.
“This expansion will create purpose-built spaces to support a broader range of high-quality, community-based healthcare services for people of all ages,” Minister Archer said.
“The design has been informed by engagement with clinical staff, health consumers, stakeholders, and the local community, including recent community drop-in sessions at the health centre and Kingston Community Hub.
“The feedback received has helped shape
a welcoming, accessible and family-focused centre that will make it easier for people to access the care they need, when they need it.”
The expanded facility will include three dedicated precincts: a children, women and family precinct; an oral health and audiology precinct, and an adult health precinct.
New and expanded services, including a breast screen unit, renal dialysis unit, and an audiology unit, will support early detection and intervention, helping to improve long-term health outcomes for the community.
Construction will begin following Kingborough Council approval and final project approvals.
For more information about the Kingston Community Health Centre expansion, visit the Department of Health website.
Minister for health, mental health and wellbeing media release

Slam your poetry
Ever wanted to tell your story with oomph, perform your poems with power or just deliver a speech without a slide-show clicker?
Word Travels presents an Australian Poetry Slam (APS) Wordshop on Tuesday 8 September from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and an Australian Poetry Slam Heat the following Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm. Both will be hosted by Kingston Library.
Discover how to select from the thousands of metaphors running through your head. Learn how to slam your poetry – how to move a live audience with your words.
Word Travels’ spoken-word artists Ava Leary and Tasha Jean inspire you to get your thoughts on paper and ignite them on stage.
APS Wordshops empower you to do more than stream other people’s creativity. This is your chance to make your stories matter; to transform your introspective ideas into crowd roars and finger clicks.
Write new stuff or re-shape your existing work before you hit high scores from the judges in your local Australian Poetry Slam Heat.
Whether you’re a quiet dreamer or an outspoken wordsmith, answer the call of a mic on a stand that’s been whispering your name since you were a kid.
Feel the heat
Want to sling your verse skills or watch local poets on the mic? Check out the Kingston 2026 APS Heat. Share your words for two minutes on the mic. By throwing your ideas into the slam-storm, you could be chosen as the 2026 Australian Poetry Slam-bassador and offered an international writers’ festival tour worth around $20,000.
Feeling inspired by all moments poetic and spoken word? Check Eventbrite for the expanded program of workshops, heats and Tasmania APS 2026 events.
About your hosts
Ava Leary is a Hobart-based poet, performer, creative producer and founder of Poetica Collective. Through spoken word, music and storytelling, her work explores vulnerability, identity and community. Since founding Poetica in 2025, Ava has grown it into a thriving grassroots arts platform, producing multiple sold-out events that celebrate emerging poets, musicians and artists. She has performed across Tasmania and nationally, including at the Australian Poetry Slam National Final at the Sydney Opera House. Passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces for self-expression, Ava uses poetry to foster connection, confidence, creativity and authentic storytelling through her workshops
and performances.
Tasha Jean is a First Nations emerging artist, poet and lover of sound. She started writing poetry as a teenager, as a way to privately process life. You can expect themes of overcoming hardship and some whimsy philosophical metaphors to interpret in her writing. After winning the Tasmanian 2025 Poetry Slam, Tasha is on a quest to continue sharing stories through poetry, in good spirit.
Content warning
Most Poetry Slams are for all ages and some content may not be suitable for children. Performances may include strong language and/or adult themes.
More information
See www.australianpoetryslam.com for full 2026 details. Head to www.wordtravels.info to find out more about how you can get involved with the not-for-profit organisation presenting the annual APS.
Word Travels

Work to start on Devils’ training facility
Work is set to kick off on the new home of the Tasmania Devils football club, with the contractor for the state’s AFL-AFLW Training and Administration Facility locked in.
Minister for sport Nick Duigan announced Tasmanian construction company Fairbrother as the successful contractor.
“This is a significant next step in delivering our AFL and AFLW teams and setting them up for success,” Minister Duigan said.
“With Fairbrother locked in, construction can now commence on the high performance centre.
The Tasmanian government is also delivering the broader Kingborough sporting precinct works.
“This includes oval 3 and oval 4, with work already underway on oval 3, which will house Kingborough Tigers Football Club and become the Devils’ secondary training oval,” Minister
Duigan said.
The Devils have reached their first ever home final, with the VFL semi-final clash against Essendon’s VFL side set for Saturday 5 September at North Hobart Oval. The winners will play Box Hill in Melbourne for a spot in the grand final.
Kingborough Football Club president Dan Wylie said the Kingborough Tigers Football Club is excited to see the future of the precinct beginning to take shape.
“Before long, some of the country’s best footballers will be welcomed into our community as the Tasmania Devils begin their AFL journey,” Mr Wylie said.
“The Twin Ovals complex has been a wonderful home for the Tigers over the past 16 years, providing the setting for premiership success, AFL pre-season matches, Coates Talent League and Tasmanian representative football, as well as the development of our junior, senior and Auskick communities.
“Whilst season 2027 and beyond will look a little different for the Tigers, the Devils calling Kingborough home is a tremendous win for our municipality and for football across Tasmania. We are excited by what their entry into the AFL in 2028 will mean for the next generation of local players, volunteers and supporters.
“We look forward to welcoming the community to our new home just up the road at Twin Oval 3, and to the next chapter in the 140-year history of the Kingborough Tigers Football Club.”
Kingborough District Cricket Club president, Jeff Ross, said the appointment of a builder is an exciting milestone for the Devils high performance centre and the broader Kingborough
Sports Precinct.
“The project will deliver lasting benefits for the Knights, other sporting groups and the wider community,” he said.
“We have greatly valued the collaborative approach and look forward to seeing the precinct take shape.”
Minister for sport media release

Information sought over gun incident
Police have charged a man with several offences following an incident in Kingston on Tuesday 25 August where a person was allegedly threatened with what is believed to be a firearm.
Police will allege that, at about 5.40pm, a man walking through Hawthorn Reserve was approached by two men and struck with a stick. He was not seriously injured.
Police will further allege that, at about 6.15pm, the same victim was walking through the reserve with two companions, when they were confronted by three people, including the alleged offender from the previous confrontation. During this second confrontation, it is alleged the offender struck one of the victims in the face and threatened the men with what is believed to be a firearm, which was not discharged.
Following the second confrontation, police were contacted and immediately responded.
About 8pm, police officers, including specialist resources, attended a Kingston residence and safely took a man into custody.
The 26-year-old man from Kingston was subsequently charged with aggravated assault and common assault. He was detained and is expected to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court this morning.  
Investigations are ongoing in relation to other people allegedly involved, and the location of the firearm. 
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact Kingston Police on 131 444, quoting ESCAD 341-25082026.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Tasmania Police

Environment: consider your clothing impact
Discover how simple changes to the way we buy, care for and dispose of clothing can make a big difference to the environment. Kingston Library will host Wear It Well on Monday 7 September at 10.30am.
Meet the team from ReThink Waste at this informal pop-up session. Bookings are not required.
The session will explore the impact of textile waste, as well as practical ways to extend the life of your garments through caring, repairing, reusing, and buying second hand.
Learn how small, everyday choices can reduce waste, save money, and support a more sustainable future. Whether you’re new to sustainable fashion or looking for fresh ideas to reduce your environmental footprint, this session will provide useful tips, inspiration, and real-world strategies you can start using straightaway.
Be inspired, ask questions, and discover how keeping textiles in use for longer benefits both our community and the planet.
Bookings can be made via Eventbrite.
Kingston Library

Taroona nursery to support endangered handfish
Tasmania’s first seagrass restoration nursery was officially launched recently, in a vital step towards restoring healthy habitat and securing the future of the critically endangered red handfish.
Based at the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in Taroona, the nursery was developed with support from the Australian government’s Saving Native
Species program.
“Seagrass meadows are an incredibly important marine ecosystem – and in Tasmania, they also provide crucial habitat for the last remaining population of red handfish,” said IMAS marine ecologist,
Dr Jemina Stuart-Smith who co-leads the seagrass restoration program at IMAS with Associate Professor Andrew Trotter.
Lead IMAS postdoctoral fellow, Elizabeth Andrews, said these ecosystems also play an important role in improving water quality, providing essential habitat and nursery grounds for fish and invertebrates, offering coastal storm protection, and supporting biodiversity and food webs.
“However, they face significant threats from coastal development, urban pollution, invasive and pest species, as well as climate change,” she said.
“Historical mapping estimated Tasmania lost nearly a quarter of its seagrass between 1950 and 1990.
“Over the last 30 years, significant declines have continued to be observed, including at sites critical to the survival of the red handfish.”
The nursery will advance seagrass restoration capability in Tasmania and beyond, including developing techniques for seed collection, storage and propagation.
“We will also be working with our local community on habitat restoration trials in the wild,”
Dr Stuart-Smith said.
“Importantly, it will provide the critical infrastructure and expertise, and build the knowledge required for adaptive management of our marine ecosystems under ever-increasing human impacts, contributing to a growing conservation toolkit that underpins scalable, evidence-based marine restoration.”
The investment in this seagrass restoration nursery supports the Australian government’s Threatened Species Action Plan 2022–2032, helping safeguard species at greatest risk of extinction.
IMAS Ecology and Biodiversity centre head, Professor Vanessa Lucieer said the project would help address the impact of climate change.
“The establishment of this seagrass nursery strengthens the capacity to restore habitat for the critically endangered red handfish, and supports broader research into developing cultivation, out-planting and climate-resilient restoration approaches that are critical in our ability to provide climate-ready approaches to managing these ecosystems,” she said.
The work builds on the broader red handfish recovery program, generously supported by the Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered Species and valued partners at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas), Friends of the Red Handfish, and the Handfish Conservation Project.
“Together, we’re giving this little creature, and the habitat it depends on, a better chance of survival,” said Associate Professor Trotter, who co-leads the program.
“Through a combination of conservation aquaculture and ecological studies, we will also be improving our preparedness for the climate change and human impacts on Australia’s marine ecosystems.”
UTAS



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