Burnie Little Penguin Habitat Expansion Little penguins living on the edge of West Park now have expanded habitat thanks to a partnership between the University of Tasmania and Friends of Burnie Penguins.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.
Just Cats Tasmania Expansion Just Cats is progressing a major facility upgrade after securing $425k in May 2025 for a new accredited cat management centre accommodating up to 70 cats. A separate intake and quarantine facility for around 300 cats is also planned to improve biosecurity. A new portable building arrived in Mar 2026, with internal fit-out.Aug: Landscaping request for plants, pots and every few dollars helps!
State Road Projects Road surface repairs: Massy-Greene Drive, between north and south Old Surrey Rd. 16-31 Aug 2026. 7.30 to 16.00.Electrical works: Bass Hwy, View Rd overpass to North Terrace. 26-29 Aug 2026 9:30am to 3pm.Mowing: Mount St, Atkins Dv to Old Surrey Rd, Romaine. Aug through to 04 Sep 2026 6am to 6 pm.
New Spirit of Tasmania IV and V The new Spirits are scheduled to commence operations late Oct 2026 increasing passenger and vehicle capacity, improved tourism, travel and freight links.Spirit V arrived in Hobart in June 2026 for final fit-out works, including participation in Dark Mofo events, before Geelong berthing trials at the new TT-Line terminal. In Aug Spirit IV will sail to Devonport for berthing trials.
Cradle Coast Future Energy Hub Established in 2019, the Hub supports collaboration as NW Tasmania’s clean energy sector expands. In Apr 2026, Local Power, Local Prosperity highlighted the need to maximise local jobs, procurement and community benefits. In Jul 2026, workforce housing pressures emerged as a key focus. Consultation is now open on a proposed Tasmanian Renewable Energy Code of Conduct until 13 Sep 2026.
Oakleigh Rail Underpass Barrier Upgrades Safety barrier upgrade work from 3-21 August 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.
Berth 3 Gantry Port of Devonport In May 2026 the installation of the 740-tonne gantry superstructure at Devonport Terminal 3. Standing 27m high and 38m wide, the structure is secured by more than 1,000 bolts and will support four vehicle loading ramps for the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels. Delivered by BMD Group and project partners, testing is scheduled for August the terminal remains on track for its Oct 2026.
TasNetworks Powerline Upgrades A four-month program has been completed in August 2026 upgrading 156 powerline spans in NorthWest. The works included automated switching, upgraded fuse sites and modern pole configurations to strengthen network reliability, improve fault management and reduce outage impacts. More than 40 North West crew delivered the staged works, with outages coordinated to minimise disruption.
Dr Edi’s Barbershop Burnie Dr Edier Loaiza Maya, a GP who opened his first barbershop at Launceston’s Kmart complex in 2024, expanded to Burnie Plaza in Aug 2026, combining grooming with men’s health conversations. The concept blends his two professions built on trust and connection, with a future vision for access to medical support pathways, a one-stop men’s wellbeing experience.