State and Local Investment Burnie City Council

Burnie Airport Departures Area Expansion

Burnie airport departures lounge expansion officially opened in September 2026. Increasing the space and amenities for travellers comfort.

The upgrade follows QantasLink introducing larger 74-seat Q400 aircraft in March 2025, adding more than 6,000 seats annually on the Burnie-Melbourne route.

Ro’s Bodega Cafe

Opened at 16 Mooreville Road, Park Grove, 8 Sep, bringing a new hospitality concept to the Burnie area.

The venue reimagines the traditional corner store as a modern bodega, combining quality food, coffee, design and community.

Inspired by influences including Tokyo and New York, Ro’s offers a distinctive new food and hospitality experience focused on everyday rituals and thoughtful design.

Oakleigh Rail Underpass Barrier Upgrades

Safety barrier upgrade work from 16 Sep - 2 Oct at the Oakleigh rail underpass on the Bass Highway in Burnie to meet current safety standards.

Works to replace barriers on both the Cooee-bound and Wivenhoe-bound approaches between Edwardes Street and Wilson Street. $1.5 million project is funded by the Federal government.

NWRH Emergency Department Redevelopment

$14.5M redevelopment Stage 1 of the North West Hospitals Masterplan will improve safety, security and patient flow through widened corridors, better sightlines, wayfinding and security positions.

Design involved ED staff, clinicians, paramedics, Tasmania Police and other representatives.

Sep 2026 works are now underway, with Vos Construction & Joinery. Completion expected mid-2028.

New Spirit of Tasmania IV and V

Spirit of Tasmania IV and V are scheduled to enter service from 31 October 2026, increasing passenger and vehicle capacity by around 40% and adding new cabin options.

Spirit IV completed Devonport berthing and gantry trials in August, while Spirit V arrived in Hobart in June for final fit-out and to participate in MONA’s Dark Mofo events. Berthing trials are scheduled for 27–28 September.

Forico High-Value Timber Expansion

Proposed $40–60M Surrey Hills plantation sawmill has progressed to formal environmental assessment, with the EPA opening the project to public comment by 30 September 2026.

The $2M State-backed project would process up to 240k m³ of plantation logs annually into higher-value timber products alongside the existing Hampshire woodchip mill.

Forico is targeting full operation by 2028

Marinus Link Project Updates

2026–27 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program for eligible not-for-profit organisations in Burnie, Central Coast and Waratah-Wynyard Close 9 October 2026.

Community Grants of up to $5k support projects aligned with the Sustainability Framework, while Sponsorships of up to $1k for General and $2k Events to help deliver local community, cultural, environmental, and wellbeing initiatives.

Burnie Little Penguin Habitat Expansion

Little penguins living on the edge of West Park now have expanded habitat thanks to a partnership between UTAS and Friends of Burnie Penguins.

From August 2026 nine purpose built tunnels beneath the Coastal Pathway now connect the beach to new habitat at UTAS West Park. Hundreds of native plants have been established on the former car park, which has been fenced to protect the colony.

Burnie Health Hub

The $24m redevelopment of the former UTAS Mooreville Road site is progressing. The Urgent Care Clinic and 24-hour pathology opened in Feb 2026, followed by medical, physiotherapy and psychology services.

Women’s Legal Service and TAS IVF relocated in July. Benson’s Landscaping completed the central courtyard in August, while Ro’s Bodega café opened in September, adding a hospitality offering.

State and Local Investment

Projects In Progress