Quarterly Project Updates

Burnie Arts – Plaza Redevelopment $1,350,000

The redeveloped plaza and landscaped areas will provide places for entertainment and relaxation.  Through initiatives in the Urban Plan, it will also have better connections to the waterfront and shopping areas.

This project was allocated $1.35M from Council’s 2025-26 capital budget.

South Burnie Bowls Club $2,130,000

South Burnie Bowls Club has received funding from the State Government for the redevelopment of the clubrooms located at 2 Hales Street South Burnie.

This funding was sought by the South Burnie Bowls Club and provided via Council to deliver. The project aligns with Council’s Strategic Plan Goal 4 Making culturally rich and vibrant communities.

This project has received funding of $2.13M from the Tasmanian Government.

Planned Completion Early November 2026

Shorewell Park Playground Redevelopment $1,500,000

The Burnie City Council is upgrading the playground at Shorewell Park to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging space for children and families. Delivered as a design and construct contract, the project invites contractors to propose creative designs aligned with Council’s Playground Strategy. The upgrade will include modern play equipment, improved landscaping, and supporting amenities.

This project is subject to a total funding of $1.4M from the Tasmanian Government (inc $400K LGAT).

Progress to Date: The playground is taking shape with the structures reaching high into the air. Car park works have commenced. Administrative tasks progress on the building permit processes for the amenities.

Planned Completion 30 November 2026

Foreshore Redevelopment $3,800,000

Council is upgrading the Foreshore Precinct as a part of its $17.3M Urban Plan Project. Removal of the rail corridor will increase the space available for community use. Improved playground areas, outdoor gym and outdoor courts will provide more active recreation options for our city’s residents.

Removal of the disused rail corridor will improve connection between the Foreshore and the CBD.

This project forms part of the Burnie City Centre Urban Plan, available online at burnie.tas.gov.au

Equipment for the updated playground area has been ordered and design of complimentary in situ play is included in the design brief for the precinct. The design team are finalising the schematic design for the overall precinct, reflecting feedback from key stakeholders. A detailed survey of the site is underway to inform the detailed design stage. The Minister for Infrastructure approved the removal of the disused rail infrastructure under the Strategic Infrastructure Corridor Act submitted in September 2026 and removal works are underway.

Next Steps: Geotechnical investigation will be completed over Q2 2026/27 and used to inform the detailed design of the Foreshore. Finalisation of the schematic design will prompt commencement of a two-stage procurement process for construction works in early November. Construction works are anticipated to commence in early April 2027, subject to contractor availability.

Planned Completion 31 December 2027

CBD Streetscape Revitalisation $6,290,000

A coordinated package of initiatives – including a review of road hierarchy, replacement of outdated street furniture, an on-street dining trial and delivery of a pilot streetscape – will create a clear, people-focused approach that can be implemented progressively. Together, these measures test how our CBD streets can better balance movement, place and activity, while lifting amenity for businesses, residents and visitors through practical, visible change.

This project received funding from the Tasmanian Government as part of its funding toward the Urban Plan.

The Burnie CBD Public Realm & Streetscape Style Guide was adopted by Council at its ordinary meeting in May 2026. Approval has been given by Building Tasmania (previously Department of State Growth) to add public art to four signal boxes within the CBD. A local Burnie artist has been approached to license their work for this purpose.

Traffic impact assessment works are underway, with the base model delivered for Council staff review. Quotes have been sought for survey of land and services through the CBD to inform design works.

Next Steps: Expressions of Interest will be invited for the supply of street furniture and fixtures to facilitate a staged transition to the new style guide throughout the CBD, with replacement of outdated street bins noted as a priority.

Outputs from the traffic modelling work currently underway will inform discussion with State Government regarding the potential relocation of the Burnie bus interchange within the CBD. Design work for upgrades to Marine Plaza, a mid-block crossing on Mount Street between City Plaza and Burnie Plaza, and streetscape improvements within the city block bounded by Wilson, Cattley,

Mount and Wilmot Streets will be commissioned during the first half of 2026-27.

Planned Completion: 30 June 2029

Pollution Capture Program

The contract for the Stormwater Pollution Capture Program was awarded to Buildrite. This project is for the installation of two stormwater intervention devices which filter contaminants from Shorewell Creek. One is situated at three Mile Line Road opposite council’s depot. The other is on Woniora Road adjacent to the Thorne St Intersection. The precast components have been ordered by council with the contract focused on the installation of the equipment supplied by council.

The project is 50% complete with the first of the two traps completed at Woniora Road.

Other Projects

Structural steelwork at West Park is being replaced where exposure to weather and sea air has corroded and weakened elements of the grandstand. The fire detection system has also been repaired to ensure alarms affected by sea air are functioning.

Burnie Park has seen the introduction of a trellised memorial space along the highway boundary.

Corrosion repairs are progressing at the Aquatic Centre where chemicals treating water are having a corrosive effect on aluminium and steelwork.

Burnie’s Burrowing Crayfish has been identified in the Romaine bridge replacement footprint. This triggers environmental investigation and reporting by specialists in the field.

Footpath and kerb works are complete in Payne St and South Burnie where pedestrian ramps have been installed. In Shorewell Reserve also, aligned with bridge replacements sections of footpath are complete.

Hot water cylinder replacements have taken place at the Surf Club building and at West Park and flooring repairs and refinishing at Upper Burnie Memorial Hall.

Water Main installation at Burnie cemetery is now complete to facilitate further stages of irrigation to the grounds.

Lighting replacements are ongoing across the municipality as older lights fail or poles require replacement.

Tenders have been invited for the West Park lighting replacement, the West Park scoreboard replacement, City Offices switchboard replacement, Treatment of steelwork at West Park and demolition of old Montello Clubrooms.

Council’s resheeting program for unsealed rural roads has been completed.

Burnie Arts – Plaza Redevelopment

Transforming the area into an improved public space for entertainment, community activities and relaxation, with upgraded plaza and landscaped areas.

The project forms part of the Burnie City Centre Urban Plan, which will create stronger connections between the Burnie Arts precinct, waterfront and shopping areas.  Supporting the vision for a more vibrant, connected and accessible city centre.

Funded through $1.35 million from Burnie City Council’s 2025–26 Capital Works Program, the project is now complete.

South Burnie Bowls Club Redevelopment

$2.13 million project funded by the Tasmanian Government to upgrade the clubrooms at 2 Hales Street, South Burnie. Delivered through Council, the project supports Council’s Strategic Plan Goal 4 – Making culturally rich and vibrant communities.

Following the tender process and appointment of the preferred contractor, construction is progressing, with demolition complete, structural steel works practically finished, and ground works underway.

Construction will continue through to completion, with the redevelopment expected to be finished by the end of August 2026.

Shorewell Park Playground Redevelopment

This project will deliver a safe, inclusive and engaging new playground for children and families. Delivered through a design and construct contract, the project aligns with Council’s Playground Strategy and will include modern play equipment, improved landscaping and supporting amenities.

The project is funded through a $1.4 million Tasmanian Government contribution, including $400,000 provided via LGAT. The contract has been awarded, community consultation has been completed, and new playground equipment has been ordered, with delivery impacted by shipping delays. Car park works were scheduled to commence but were delayed due to heavy rainfall in June, while building permit processes for the amenities continue to progress.

Site works and approvals will continue ahead of the planned completion date of 30 September 2026.

Foreshore Redevelopment Project – ($3.8million)

Council is upgrading the Foreshore Precinct as part of the $17.3 million Burnie City Centre Urban Plan. The project will create more community space through removal of the rail corridor and deliver upgraded playgrounds, outdoor recreation facilities, improved cycling and running connections, bike parking and end-of-trip facilities to support active transport.

Funded by the Tasmanian Government as part of its contribution towards the Burnie City Centre Urban Plan.

Playground equipment has been ordered, with designs for the fenced playground and extended outdoor gym being finalised. A design consultant has been engaged to prepare detailed designs and tender documents, with DA approval received for rail corridor removal and a Ministerial application submitted under the Strategic Infrastructure Corridors Act in July 2026.

Playground installation is scheduled for early 2027. Stakeholder engagement will continue, with contractor expressions of interest to be sought for rail infrastructure removal subject to approval.

Planned completion: 31 December 2027

The CBD Streetscape Revitalisation Project ($2.64 million)

A coordinated package of initiatives to improve the look, feel and function of Burnie’s city centre. The project includes a review of road hierarchy, replacement of outdated street bins, an on-street dining trial and delivery of a pilot streetscape to test how CBD streets can better balance movement, place and activity while improving amenity for businesses, residents and visitors.

The project forms part of the Burnie City Centre Urban Plan and is funded by the Tasmanian Government.

The Burnie CBD Public Realm & Streetscape Style Guide was adopted by Council in May 2026. Progress has included planning for tree removal at the northern end of Wilson Street, approval from Building Tasmania for public art on four CBD signal boxes, and engagement with a local artist to licence artwork. A traffic engineer has also been appointed to undertake traffic impact assessments to inform future streetscape and road hierarchy decisions. The project completion date has been extended to 30 June 2029 to align with the revised Burnie Courts Complex timeline.

Next steps include inviting expressions of interest for new street furniture and fixtures, with replacement of outdated street bins identified as a priority. Tenders will also be sought for the design and construction of a streetscape pilot project across Wilson Street, Ladbrooke Street and Mount Street. Traffic modelling outcomes will support discussions with the State Government about a potential relocation of the Burnie bus interchange.

Further design work will commence in 2026/27 for upgrades to Marine Plaza, a new mid-block crossing on Mount Street between City Plaza and Burnie Plaza, and improved streetscape treatments across the central city block of Wilson, Cattley, Mount and Wilmot Streets. The project is planned for completion by 30 June 2029.

Pollution Capture Program

The contract for the Stormwater Pollution Capture Program was awarded to Buildrite. This project is for the installation of 2 stormwater intervention devices which filter contaminants from Shorewell Creek. One is situated at three Mile Line Road opposite council’s depot. The other is on Woniora Road adjacent to the Thorne St Intersection. The precast components have been ordered by council with the contract focused on the installation of the equipment supplied by council. The systems improve water quality for the Giant Freshwater Crayfish and other creek life. Operational impacts for the units are the introduction of costs associated with regular (6 monthly) cleaning of the chambers and depreciation of the assets. Combined additional operational impact is in the order of $9000 per annum.

Brooklyn Road

Works are progressing on the kerb, footpath, guard rail and pavement to improve safety for all road users. Works commenced on 15 June 2026 and are expected to take approximately 8-10 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Other Projects

CBD – from Monday 22 June, streetlight renewals throughout main block of CBD commenced to improve lighting and safety. As of 26 June, 35 old light fittings have been replaced with new energyefficient LED lights to keep the city shining.

Shorewell Creek – great progress is being made at Shorewell Creek, with Council's Maintenance team completing the new bridge structure in May 2026. The Civil crew has also been busy extending the stormwater system and preparing the area for the next stage of works. New concrete footpaths are up next as the project continues to improve local infrastructure and connectivity in the area.

Mount Street – installation of a new bus shelter, open and ready for everyday use.

Civil Construction and Stormwater

• Emmett Street – drainage works and reseal upgrades. • Old Surrey Road – footpath and driveway apron to improve access for the community.

• Massey Green Drive – footpath section replacements for improved safety and accessibility.

• Lottah Road – drainage improvement works to help improve water flow and support safer, more reliable conditions.

• Brooklyn Road – works to provide safety improvements for both motorists and pedestrians. Project includes construction of new kerb and channel, widened footpath, new pedestrian crossing, and application of a high-friction road surface treatment.

Buildings

• CBD – painting of light poles along Mount Street.

• Basalt Columns Pond – renewal of paint.

• Fidler Street – installation of new accessible parking bay outside primary school.

• Hilder Parade – refreshed paint on the historic gates at the entrance to the Waterfront, West Beach.

• Hampshire – completion of road patching works to help improve the condition of the road.

• Camdale – cleaning of the outfall to help keep the stormwater moving.

Parks, Reserves, Sporting Grounds and Cemeteries

• Multi Storey Car Park – plantation of rhododendrons in garden bed.

• Queen Street – fresh mulching in garden beds.

• CBD – street cleaning of light poles, street islands, playgrounds and footpaths.

• Basalt Columns Pond – full empty, clean and refill.

• Barker Street – repairs to the walking track for improved accessibility and safety.

• Burnie Park – replacement swing seats and chains installed. Fresh mulching of garden beds and plantation of two new Bottle Trees. Fresh painting of car park bollards. Re-coated cenotaph pedestals.

• Lawn Cemetery – footpath renewals and replacement work.

• Wivenhoe Recreation Grounds – fresh paint to handrails and brickwork to extend the life of the infrastructure. Fresh mulching of garden beds. DDA toilet tidy-up and fresh coat of paint.

• Upper Burnie Sports Centre – car park has been refreshed with crisp new line markings. Paint works undertaken internally to keep the facility looking its best.

• Marine Plaza – tree plantations and new edging. • West Park – newly installed netting behind goal posts.

• Romaine Reserve – continuing to install new sections of concrete footpaths. Council staff, contractors, staff and students from Hellyer College undertook plantation of 500 native plants as part of the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. Tree maintenance on eastern side of Romaine Dam.

• Tennis Centre – treatment and painting of steelwork that comprises the storage area to improve its appearance.

• Netball Centre – refreshed DDA parking bays.
• Blinking Billy Lighthouse – trimming trees and cleaning the city markers to help the area look its best.

Road Renewal Projects

Emmet Street Upgrade
Works are progressing on Emmet Street, with roadside drainage works completed and the road surface being prepared for sealing.

Urban Reseal Program
Civil works have been completed on Ross and Halstead Street in preparation for the resealing works due to commence mid-April. These are the last 2 sites listed on the Urban program

Rural Reseal Program
80% of works have been completed on West Ridgley Road, and the contractor is due to complete the remaining works in late April.

Footpath and Walking Bridge Renewal and Upgrade.
Romaine Reserve - Works are progressing through the reserve to upgrade sections of granite sand and boardwalk pathways to a concrete shared pathway. Bridge works to the southern most bridge on the loop track are due to commence in late May.

Burnie Arts – Plaza Redevelopment
Detailed designs for the redevelopment have been completed by the consultant. The next steps involve Vos Construction and Joinery relocating the site sheds to Little Alexander Street and fencing off the construction zone in the car park to the west of the Museum.

Shorewell Park Playground Redevelopment
Following a report to the council, the preferred tender has been accepted, and the contract awarded. Site work has commenced with the removal of trees. Additional consultations with the community have taken place to finalise the playground equipment to be installed, and the equipment has been ordered. The next steps include the progression of site works and the building permit application process for the amenities.

South Burnie Bowls Club
Tenders closed and council approved the preferred tender. Contract was awarded and works commenced. Demolition is complete and ground works are well advanced.

Burnie Waterfront Foreshore Redevelopment. 
Broad consultation has been completed as part of the Urban Plan Development. A playground supplier has been identified through public tender and equipment options are being finalized. Next Steps Requests for quotes will be sought for design of the complete Foreshore precinct, with the scope to include development of construction tender documents.

CBD Streetscape Revitalisation
Broad consultation has been completed as part of the Urban Plan Development. Survey works have been completed to inform detailed design and construction of a pilot streetscape project at the southern entrance to the CBD, including Wilson St and Mount St up to Ladbrooke St. Next Steps A design and style guide for CBD public spaces will be presented to Council at the May ordinary meeting. Tenders will be invited for design and construction of the streetscape pilot project on Wilson St, Ladbrooke St and Mount St.

Urban Plan Actions

Foreshore Renewal – rail corridor application underway; tender for playgrounds and outdoor gym currently in market, award anticipated in February.

Civic Plaza – Civil works for car parking completed. DDA ramps and surfacing works underway. Construction progressing with pathways and building access form carparks, stage, landscape zones and paving areas taking shape.

City Revitalisation – quotes sought for upgrade of street bins to create consistency across the CBD; on-street dining trial project plan developed, pending approval; streetscape design briefing in development, including scope for input reports, eg survey, stormwater, natural values and traffic modelling.

Active Transport Strategy Actions

Burnie Park Footpath widening works are in progress and scheduled for completion by the end of January.

Coastal Pathway feasibility and design Grant deed finalised and CCA has commenced preliminary work.

Footpath and walking bridge renewal and upgrade Works are progressing in Romaine reserve to renew and upgrade infrastructure

Playground Strategy Actions

Waterfront playground development of tender underway. The Shorewell Park tender has been completed, with the project awarded to Active Areas. Active Areas provided four design options, which Council has taken to the community for consultation to determine the final design. Consultation closes on 8 January 2026, with works scheduled to commence in early February.

Other Key Projects 

South Burnie Bowls Club building redevelopment has been awarded to Meadcon, with site possession occurring on 5 January 2026. Practical completion is scheduled for 31 July 2026.

Waste Service Improvements - New bins for FOGO and realigned waste and recycling services commenced in September as planned.

Burnie Arts - Official opening for Stage 2 completion was held on 10 November 2025, with the Federal Minister for Transport the Honourable Catherine King MP in attendance as an honorary guest.

Road renewal projects - West Ridgley and Cam crt complete.