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Progress Board Releases Public Feedback

The cost of living, mental health issues, anti-social behaviour, poor planning and lack of infrastructure, access to health services and professionals, youth suicide and teenage pregnancies, and climate change, are just some of the key concerns of the Tasmanian community.

The views of Tasmanians are contained in a report titled What the Community Said, released today by the Chair of the Tasmania Together Progress Board, Mr Bob Campbell. The report summarises the key findings arising from major community consultations undertaken by the Progress Board as part of the 10 Year Review of Tasmania Together.

Mr Campbell said community priorities had changed in the five years since the last review of Tasmania Together – the State’s 20 year plan.

“It won’t come as a surprise to learn that the cost of living is uppermost in people’s minds – it was the major theme to come out of our consultations.”

“Tasmanians are experiencing financial strain from rising costs associated with everyday essentials such as food, transport, electricity and water.”

“But other priorities have emerged over the last five years. Understanding, and dealing with mental health is now more widespread and there is considerable worry in the community about anti-social behaviour such as street violence, abuse and harassment.”

“Tasmanians are concerned about the lack of adequate infrastructure in areas like transport and energy use, and long term planning.”

“It also appears there is a heightened awareness of the need to deal with difficult issues confronting young Tasmanians such as homelessness, teenage pregnancy and youth suicide.”

“All these priorities present a challenge for the Board to make sure they are reflected as much as possible in a new Tasmania Together plan for 2020.

Mr Campbell said the community consultations between September-December last year were a tremendous success.

“The community spoke with their feet and turned out to voice their opinions on what matters now and what will matter in the future.”

“Over 5,000 people from all walks of life participated.  It is a demonstration of confidence in people’s willingness to get involved in the democratic process.”

Over 30 community and sector forums were held throughout Tasmania and a questionnaire was distributed to most Tasmanian households. A telephone survey of 1,000 Tasmanians was conducted and over 100 written submissions were lodged with the Progress Board.

Mr Campbell said issues like education, access to health services and professionals, creating and maintaining jobs and investment, and environmental sustainability continue to be major priorities.

Highlights of the public feedback include;

• rising general household expenses, including electricity, water and sewerage, food, public transport, council rates, childcare and petrol;

• increasing housing costs such as interest rates, purchase prices and rental costs;

• the high cost of medical bills associated with doctors, dentists and specialists;

• the impact of an ageing population on the health system and the lack of services for mental illness;

• long waiting lists for dental services, doctors, specialists and hospital treatment – particularly for elective surgery;

• the need for more incentives from state and local governments to encourage the use of renewable energy sources;

• the need for greater choice for consumers and more competition among energy providers as well as a expectation of greater efficiencies from the three major electricity utilities;

• poor planning and management for urban, coastal and regional land use – including protection for prime agricultural land;

• the need to develop cycle tracks and walkways to encourage healthy living and environmental sustainability;

• the need for greater tolerance of individual differences, particularly for those from the LGBTI community, people with disabilities, and those from different ethnic backgrounds and religions;

• bullying in schools and general anti-social behaviour, including violence, assault and verbal abuse;

• support for a year 7-12 education system, numeracy and literacy levels, and a four term school year;

• too much government spending on private schools at the expense of the public system;

• the need to develop sustainable local produce rather than relying on imported goods;

• capitalising on e-commerce and the National Broadband Network;

• the need for increased investment in niche markets and tourism;

• the importance of managing the environment to ensure sustainability in the long term;

• insufficient government action to address climate change; and

• using our prime agricultural land for food production and not tree farming.

Mr Campbell said these issues were only the tip of the iceberg. He urged all Tasmanians to read the full report.

“Tasmania Together is the community’s plan and not a government plan.”

“I urge people to look at what the community said and get involved in achieving the sort of future we want.”

The Progress Board is currently in the process of refining and developing the goals and benchmarks in Tasmania Together based on the feedback provided through the 10 Year Review consultations.

The Board plans to make recommendations on changes to the community plan to Parliament in the Spring Session this year.

For further information or a copy of What the Community Said, contact the Progress Board on 62327010 or visit the website at www.tasmaniatogether.com.au