Assets and opportunities in the Circular Head region

Throughout 2009, the Circular Head region experienced a number of industry cutbacks and changes. These have exposed a social and economic vulnerability to the rapid changes brought about by large commercial employers’ decisions in the region. In addition, the region is facing a withdrawal of federal social service investment as a result of the change in “Extreme Circumstances” status for Tasmania.

Relationships Australia Tasmania and Rural Development Services, supported by the Circular Head Council, are working with people locally to identify assets, issues and opportunities of particular importance to this region as people come to terms with changes that are externally driven, including climate change, and the shift to sustainability.

The aim of this project is to engage people in the Circular Head region in local dialogue that will assist the community to identify its assets, strengths and opportunities.

The project is focused on achieving two key goals:

1. The community is engaged in a process to identify and prioritise locally-led social, cultural and economic development; and,

2. RA Tas, the SIU, local government and active local community associations have community-driven information on needs and interests to assist in supporting community development initiatives in the Circular Head region, that build on the current social infrastructure.

The research will:

• Be guided by a reference group comprising key stakeholders in the region;

• Interview people in the region spanning the key demographic groups and across the three sectors (public, private and community); and,

• Document and analyse the local views of the assets, opportunities and needs.

The outcomes of this project will be presented back to the community through the Circular Head Progress Association (CHPG), the Circular Head Council, Cradle Coast Authority and other key associations in the region.

Download the project flier