Huon Valley Council is celebrating the completion of three community infrastructure projects, delivered through the Tasmanian Government’s 2024 election commitment funding, providing safer, more accessible facilities at Mosquito Point, Geeveston Town Hall and the Port Huon Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Mayor Sally Doyle credited the result to the community groups who championed these upgrades for years and to the ongoing investment in this space from the Tasmanian government.
“These three projects show what’s possible when different levels of government work together with their communities,” Mayor Doyle said. “Thank you to our local member, Jacquie Petrusma for advocating so strongly for this funding, and to the Tasmanian Government for backing our community’s priorities.”
The Honourable Jacquie Petrusma MP said these projects are all about making sure people of all ages and abilities can safely access and enjoy facilities that are so important to the Huon Valley community.
“It was a real pleasure to work with Mayor Sally Doyle and the Huon Valley Council to help secure this investment, and I congratulate the Council for all of their outstanding efforts in delivering these commitments. These upgrades will certainly be enjoyed by our community for many years to come.”
At Mosquito Point in Ranelagh, a new lower deck, steps, handrail and kayak entry rail have made the ramp safer to use, particularly when river levels are low in summer.
Friends of Mosquito Point Landcare Group has cared for the site since 2019, working to improve the area’s natural flora, increase its amenity and foster community connection to the river.
Group spokesperson Carol Hurst said the upgrade marked a big step forward. “It’s been a genuinely collaborative process working with Council, and the result improves access for kayak users while meeting the requirements of the State Government funding,” Ms Hurst said.
A new access ramp has been installed at Geeveston Town Hall, making it easier for all users to enter during events like the Geeveston Feast.
Phil Holmes, Treasurer of Geeveston Town Hall Controlling Authority (GTHCA) said, “The new entrance and ramp have greatly improved safety for people entering and exiting the western side of the town hall. Working with Huon Valley Council, the GTHCA has resolved a long-standing safety concern and delivered wheelchair access to the hall and the monthly feast.”
To complete the major upgrades at the Port Huon Sports and Aquatic Centre, the upstairs room has been transformed into three spaces: a large multipurpose, bookable studio; a smaller flexible space; and a staff office, in addition to the pool relining and change room remodelling and refurbishment work completed over the last couple of years.
“The new studio has made such a difference to the centre,” said Leanne Roberts, a dedicated member of the pilates and Aqua Duck classes. “It’s a bright, spacious, climate-controlled space that offers privacy during classes.”
Five of the seven projects funded through the Tasmanian Government’s 2024 election commitments for the Huon Valley are now complete. The Huonville Town Hall amenities and the Dover Mountain Bike Business Plan remain in development. The replacement of the Shipwright’s Point Jetty and CCTV upgrades were previously completed through the same funding program.
Left to right: Michael and Veronica Hewitt, David Haynes, Pagan the dog, Stuart Scott, Frank Chen (Director Infrastructure and Assets HVC), Gerard Brereton (Assistant Manager Property Services HVC), Tim Hooper (Senior Manager Property and Recreation Services), Hon. Jacquie Petrusma MP, Ann Pook, Mike Pook, Rick and Wendy Perrin, Paul Fulton, Melissa Packham, and Carol Hurst.
Back row: Frank Chen (Director Infrastructure and Assets HVC), Ben Cavanagh (Recreation Centres Operations Coordinator HVC), Hon. Jacquie Petrusma MP, Huon Valley Mayor Sally Doyle, Andrea Whittle, Tim Hooper (Senior Manager Property and Recreation Services), Deb Dali
Front row: Kylee Clark, Karen Fry, Leanne Roberts and Sharon Smith (Team Leader Recreation Services HVC)
Harnam Thandi, Frank Chen (Director Infrastructure and Assets HVC), Huon Valley Mayor Sally Doyle, Tim Hooper (Senior Manager Property and Recreation Services HVC), Hon. Jacquie Petrusma MP, Phil Holmes.