21 May 2014

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam today announced the Draft Smithton Landscape Development Plan was open for public comment.

"Following public consultation, Council’s Strategic Projects Office has created this plan to provide Council with a strategic framework for the future enhancement of Smithton," Mayor Quilliam said.

"This plan includes site concepts, recommendations and schedules that will result in landscape upgrades to enhance a number of Smithton’s key locations and streets over time."

The purpose of the Smithton Landscape Development Plan is to:

• Provide a framework for the beautification of some of Smithton’s primary streets and key locations that builds on existing landscape infrastructure, is cost effective and practical and requires a low level of maintenance;
• Result in streetscapes that enhance the local community’s "sense of place" and an increase in Smithton’s appeal, for the enjoyment of visitors and the community alike;
• Ensure that management decisions relating to the placement of tree species and planting beds are strategically planned and are within an agreed design framework;
• Allow Council to forward plan budget allocations for upgrades and improvements to the Smithton townscape; and
• Provide for forward, strategic and accountable management of significant public ‘corridors’, sites and intersections in Smithton.

"The study area comprises eighteen (18) initial high profile priority sites located within the Smithton township," Mayor Quilliam said.

"Each priority site is identified as either a key location or focal point in Smithton, or a primary Smithton access road."

Mayor Quilliam said recommendations made within the Smithton Landscape Development Plan 2014 are additional and complementary to Council endorsed recommendations that will also result in landscape improvements, such as made in the Eastern Foreshore Landscape Development Plan 2013 and the ongoing West Esplanade Park Project.

"In the future, further sites around the town can be considered for landscape improvements and upgrading," Mayor Quilliam said.

The community is invited to view the Draft Landscape Development Plan and make written submissions and comments. Copies of the plan are available for viewing at Council offices and on Council’s web site. Comments can be posted directly onto Council's website at www.circularhead.tas.gov.au/yoursay, Council’s Facebook page or submitted in writing to The General Manager, Circular Head Council, P.O. Box 348, Smithton Tasmania 7330.

Comments will be received until Friday 13 June 2014 (closing at 5pm).

If the public have any queries relating to the Draft Smithton landscape Development Plan please do not hesitate to contact Council’s Strategic Projects Office on (03) 6452 4880.