Background
Dorset Municipality is located in the North East of Tasmania, approximately one hours drive from the northern regional centre of Launceston. Dorset is bordered by Break O'Day, George Town and Launceston Councils.
The main service centre for the region is Scottsdale, with the coastal town of Bridport another popular centre. Other small towns are scattered across the region including Branxholm, Derby, Winnaleah, Ringarooma, Legerwood, Gladstone, Herrick, Tomahawk and Pioneer.
The population of the region is approximately 7,100 across an area of 3196 square kms.
Dorset is fortunate to be located in a superb natural environment with clean air and beautiful scenery ranging from coastal plains and dunes, rich patchwork farmlands to the temperate rain forests on the surrounding hills and mountains.
History
Mining was a significant industry for the region in the early part of last century. Gold and tin were the main minerals mined and these operations saw a large influx of Chinese immigrants move into the far North East to work in the mines. Hence the development of the Trail of the Tin Dragon Project.
The pioneers of yesteryear were very innovative, building substantial water races and private power stations.
Timber and farming emerged as the major industries after the closure of the mining operations.
Industry
Dorset has a very balanced economy. Agriculture and forestry are the major industries. The municipality is also sustained by light and service industries as well as commercial and residential development.
Some of those industries are ship building and sea transport at Bridport, the Defence Nutrition Research Centre (involving research and production of food packs for use by defence forces and recreational users), Auspine softwood mills plus a number of smaller sawmills processing both native hardwoods and plantation softwoods.
Farming is predominately centered around the fertile soil, with dairying and vegetable production the two major operations.
Tourism plays an important role in attracting visitor spending which is spread across the community. Council and the State Government have worked co-operatively to growing tourism in Dorset with visitor numbers increasing significantly.
New Developments
There are three new major investment projects currently being developed within Dorset, these being Trail of the Tin Dragon, Musselroe Bay Eco-Tourism Project and the Cape Portland wind farm.
The Trail of the Tin Dragon is a series of tourism projects developed around the history of the Chinese tin miners of the North East. This project involves neighbouring Councils and is being described as a project of international and national significance.
As part of the projects the construction of a $2 million Derby Tin Mine Centre is expected to commence within the next few months.
The Musselroe Bay Eco-Tourism Project is a $130 - $150 million 5 star exo-tourism development on a 4500 acre property just prior to the Musselroe Bay village. The project is expected to provide:
Hydro Tasmania's Cape Portland wind farm is a $220 million development consisting of up to ninety wind turbines and will be a major tourism and economic driver of the region.
Barnbougle Dunes Links Golf Course at Bridport has been in operation for approximately 2 years with the Golf course already ranked at "No.1 public access course" within Australia. Development of the accommodation and restaurant has added value to the region. Further development of this world class facility is currently being contemplated.
Services
The Dorset region is well provided with a range of community services.
Secondary schooling to Year 10 is available at Scottsdale and Winnaleah with primary schooling available at Bridport, Scottsdale, Winnaleah, Branxholm and Ringarooma.
Post-secondary schooling to Year 12 is offered in a limited form at Winnaleah and Scottsdale, while there is a daily bus service to Launceston from Bridport and Scottsdale for students to attend the various Launceston colleges.
Medical services are well catered for with local practitioners within Scottsdale, Bridport and Derby. There is a district hospital and child dental therapist located at Scottsdale.
If services are not available within Dorset, the major regional city of Launceston is less than an hours drive from Scottsdale or Bridport. Launceston has all retail services, three major hospitals and campuses of the University of Tasmania.
Sport and recreation facilities are available in most towns in the region offering a range of sports such as golf, tennis, basketball, swimming, netball, football, cricket, hockey, softball, badminton and squash. There is an active pony club at Scottsdale while water sports such as fishing, skiing and yachting are abundantly catered for.
For those who enjoy bushwalking, the region has many interesting and varied walks available.
Council
Council consists of nine elected members, which includes the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Council meet on a monthly basis with special meetings as required.
The organisation consists of the General Manager with four departments, these being Corporate Services, Community Development and Services, Works and Infrastructure and Development and Environment Services. There are a total of 50 fulltime employees in the organization and approximately 25 part-time employees over many Council and community services.
The Community Development and Services Department currently consists of a fulltime Community Services Officer and a Youth Health Officer. An additional resource of a full time Property Management Officer is also expected to be appointed in the near future to assist with the growing roles of the Community Development and Services Department. The Community Development and Services Manager will also work closely with the Works and Infrastructure department to plan and organise the asset renewal, maintenance and replacement programs of Council's public halls, recreation grounds, swimming pools etc. with the majority of the manual work being undertaken by Works and Infrastructure personnel.
Total operating revenue for 2005/06 $11,686,879
Total operating expenditure for 2005/06 $10,372,818
Capital expenditure for 2005/06 $4,114,928
Property assessments as at 30 June 2006 4,902
Capital value of property assessments $1,053,379,100
Infrastructure consists of:
252 km Sealed roads
487 km Unsealed roads
105 Bridges
7 Sporting ovals
18 Community halls/centres
2 Swimming pools
3 Caravan parks/camping grounds
3 Waste transfer stations
10 Water schemes
2 Water treatment plants
2 Sewerage schemes
1 Sewerage treatment plant
Further information is available on the Dorset Council website: www.dorset.tas.gov.au
Council has a Management Team of five managers who meet regularly to progress the operations and directions of the Council.
Dorset Council has a progressive and team orientated approach to the works and services provided by Councillors and employees to the Dorset Community.
Dorset Council enjoys excellent relationships between Councillors, employees and the many communities of Dorset.
The lifestyle, environment and the people of Dorset all contribute to a great place to live and work.
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