Council endorses LGBTIQA+ Action Plan

LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, respected and included in Burnie's public life

Actions

1.1     Provide LGBTIQA+ inclusion, anti-discrimination and allyship training for Councillors.

1.2     Review relevant Council policies and procedures to strengthen expectations for respectful, inclusive behaviour and responses to discriminatory or harmful conduct.

1.3     Consider LGBTIQA+ safety, inclusion and access when maintaining, renewing or developing Council facilities and public spaces, including gender-inclusive facilities and signage where appropriate.

1.4     Consider LGBTIQA+ safety, inclusion and access when planning and delivering Council and Council-supported events and activities.

1.5     Review and when needed strengthen moderation arrangements for Council-managed online platforms to address misinformation, hate speech and harmful or discriminatory content, including additional moderation resources where required.

1.6     Work with local businesses, sporting organisations, community organisations and other partners to create safer and more inclusive community spaces.

1.7     Work with community and service organisations to address misinformation, discrimination and harmful attitudes towards LGBTIQA+ people.

1.8     Advocate to relevant State Government agencies, service providers and other organisations on LGBTIQA+ safety, wellbeing and access issues identified by the community.

LGBTIQA+ people are visible, connected and have equal opportunities to participate in the community.

Actions

2.1     Continue to support the LGBTIQA+ Community Advisory Group, with diverse representation and opportunities to provide community leadership and advice on relevant relevant Council priorities, plans, projects, and decisions.

2.2     Provide opportunities for LGBTIQA+ people, including young people, families and allies, to help shape relevant Council actions, initiatives and projects.

2.3     Support opportunities for LGBTIQA+ young people to access safe and inclusive spaces, participate in Council-supported youth, sport, recreation, cultural and community activities, and have a voice in matters affecting them.

2.4     Provide accessible information for residents and visitors about local LGBTIQA+ services, groups, events, support and community opportunities.

2.5     Enable community-led LGBTIQA+ social, cultural, sporting and connection initiatives through existing Council community support programs, grants, partnerships and facilities, subject to program criteria, available budgets and Council priorities.

2.6     Work with LGBTIQA+ organisations and community partners to improve understanding, reduce stigma and help the wider community support LGBTIQA+ inclusion.n

2.7     Promote positive and meaningful LGBTIQA+ representation through Council communications and civic activities.

2.8     Improve access to community connection and participation through flexible options, including online or hybrid opportunities where these help overcome barriers to participating in person.

Council services, facilities, programs and interactions are inclusive and accessible for LGBTIQA+ people.

Actions

3.1     Review Council policies, procedures and guidelines to identify and address barriers to LGBTIQA+ inclusion.

3.2     Include LGBTIQA+ inclusion when Council forms, customer systems and communications are developed, reviewed or updated.

3.3     Embed LGBTIQA+ inclusion, anti-discrimination and allyship in Council's workforce practices and culture, including induction, training and ongoing learning.

3.4     Review customer service and engagement practices to support respectful and affirming interactions with LGBTIQA+ people.

3.5     Review and monitor Council's processes for responding to complaints, feedback and incidents involving LGBTIQA+ discrimination or harassment, and use community experience to identify improvements.

3.6     Consider LGBTIQA+ inclusion when developing and reviewing relevant Council plans, projects, programs, events and services.

This report brings together the community research and engagement that helped shape the Burnie City Council LGBTIQA+ Action Plan 2026–2031.

Council received a strong, genuine, and thoughtful response from the community, with people sharing their experiences, priorities and ideas, to help shape the Plan. This feedback has also identifed practical actions to strengthen inclusion, safety, belonging and participation across Burnie.

LGBTIQA+ Action Plan | Consultation Outcomes | 2026(PDF, 3MB)

Snapshot of Findings

The consultation highlighted a strong desire for a Burnie where LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, welcomed, connected and able to participate in community life.

Key themes from the research and engagement included:

• Safety and inclusion matter. Participants raised concerns about discrimination, harassment, exclusion and safety, particularly in public spaces and at night.
• Belonging and connection are important. Participants valued Burnie’s community, arts and cultural opportunities and identified opportunities to strengthen social connection and community networks.
• Everyday inclusion matters. Participants wanted LGBTIQA+ inclusion to be part of everyday community life, rather than limited to specific events or occasions.
• Council has a role to play. Participants identified opportunities for Council to strengthen inclusive facilities, services, communications, engagement and its own practices.
• Partnership is key. The research highlighted the importance of working with LGBTIQA+ organisations, community groups, services and other levels of government to support meaningful change.
• People want practical action. There was strong support for visible, meaningful action, with clear commitments, follow-through and ongoing engagement with the community.