Business in Dorset
For potential investors or new residents Dorset Council is focused on providing all necessary support to facilitate sustainable developments large and small as well as a warm welcome for new arrivals.
Key Sectors
One of the outstanding qualities of the Dorset region is its cool temperate climate and the spectacular diversity of landforms and ecosystems, including coastal geomorphology with extensive complex dunes, rolling rural landscapes, precipitous mountains, world heritage coastal wetlands and a broad range of forest types. The district is well endowed with natural resources including large areas of volcanic soils of extraordinarily high fertility, native and plantation forests, abundant but relatively undeveloped water resources and significant undeveloped coastal resources.
Whilst there are unlimited opportunities for further investment in Dorset, some of the key sectors are listed below:
Food and Agriculture
Historically, the prosperity and growth of North East Tasmania has relied heavily on the traditional timber and food processing industries. Today farming is increasingly focused on dairying, vegetable and commercial poppy production. This enormous productivity is underpinned by a number of irrigation schemes. Key focus sectors relate to expanding production, adding value and marketing to the world.
Sustainable forestry, bio fuel development and alternative energy
Our region has considerable untapped plantation and farm resources.
Tourism
Dorset has a unique blend of wilderness, wildlife, stunning scenery, mining heritage, secluded beaches and world class golf courses all within easy distance of air and sea ports. It sits alongside the Tamar wine route, hosts a burgeoning golf and mountain bike industry and world class lavender and essential oils production and is a gateway to Flinders Island.
Mining
Significant exploration is going ahead and this should provide future opportunities.
Aged Care and Community Services
An ageing population provides opportunities to modernise and expand existing facilities
Road Networks
Dorset is well serviced by an extensive road network. The Tasman Highway (A3), via the spectacular Sideling is a major route into and out of the district and connects Scottsdale with Launceston, 60km to the west, and St Helens 70km to the east.
The Flinders Highway, the main north coastal road connecting Bridport to the East Tamar Highway, is used extensively as a transport route.
The Lilydale-Golconda Road, an alternative route to Launceston from Scottsdale is another major route into and out of the region.
Council continues to deliver long term improvements to local roads, streetscapes and stormwater infrastructure.
Sea/Air Ports
The nearest major sea port is the Port of Launceston at the Bell Bay Industrial Estate on the Tamar River, about 60 minutes from Scottsdale. Devonport the terminus for the Bass Strait roll-on roll-off freight and passenger ferries, is about two hours from Scottsdale via the Flinders Highway.
Northern Tasmania's principal airport is the Launceston Airport, about 60 minutes from Scottsdale. The airport offers the largest air freight service in Tasmania as well as daily direct passenger flights to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Within Dorset itself there is a small fishing and freight port facility at Bridport as well as an unsealed airport at Bridport. Both of these largely service Flinders and Cape Barren Islands. Barnbougle Golf Course also has an airstrip bringing visitors from interstate.
Additional Business Information
New Business Investment Assistance Policy
Council's rates, fees and charges provide value to the community and are some of the lowest in regional Australia
Planning approval fees for development of eligible new small businesses and existing larger businesses are discounted by 50%;
Renewal of annual food business registration fees are waived for permanent residents; and
New small businesses are eligible for a 50% rate remission during their first 12 months of operation.
Business loans, incentives and grants are all offered by the Tasmanian Government.
Ready to make the move? Check out Living in Dorset and Buying Property in Dorset
Still considering? Check out Visiting Dorset