Projects
East Coast Artificial Reef & Dive Site
The East Coast Artificial Reef Project is an initiative of the Triabunna/Orford Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber facilitated the procurement of a large vessel the Troy D (55 metres and 1,000 tonnes) and had it cleaned and prepared to strict environmental guidelines before it was scuttled off Maria Island as an Artificial Reef and Dive Site. The project was chaired by Geoff Bull and Project Managed by Chris Peterson.
- Provision of a safe underwater structure for recreational divers
- Creation of an environmentally friendly marine sanctuary which will provide a hard substrate for many marine flora and fauna species
- Provision of study opportunities for academics, and an aqua haven for education
- Facilitation of economic, environmental and social opportunities for the greater Glamorgan Spring Bay Municipal area, and ultimately Tasmania
The project cost around $850,000 and the Troy D was scuttled in spectacular fashion off Maria Island on 10 February 2007. www.troyd.com.au.
Triabunna Deepwater Jetty
Marine and Safety Tasmanian found the jetty to be in very poor structural condition and nearing the end of its life in November 2003. MAST flagged three options including a rebuild which was considered too expensive, demolition and the third option was to lease the jetty to private operators
A community meeting facilitated by the Chamber decided to ask the Government to replace the structure and a consultant was appointed to produce a report. The report funded by Council, the Chamber and the Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council was presented to Government. Following extensive consultation and lobbying work by the Chamber, TFIC (Bob Lister) and Mr Michael Polley MHA, replacement jetty was announced at a cost of around $350,000 – although not as long as the previous wooden structure a better standard concrete structure was built.
Three Thumbs Lookout
The picnic, toilet and shelter facilities at the Three Thumbs Lookout, Wielangta Road at Orford was bulldozed by Parks and Wildlife in June 2005. A committee headed by Chamber President John Hall was immediately facilitated and after many months of frustrating meetings and negotiations a replacement shelter and table with an upgraded road was completed at a cost of around $100,000
View from the Thumbs Lookout
Raspins Beach Retaining Wall
Raspins Beach has long been exposed to erosion following the changing of the course of the Prosser River. The beach had been slowly eroded over the years and in 2005 erosion was heading for the Tasman Highway and in some areas eroded soil was as close as 15 metres to the highway. Following lots of representations by the Chambers John Barry (Past President), Chris Peterson and Tony Wright the Government finally agreed to build a retaining wall along the beach at a cost of in excess of $40,000. Mr. Michael Polley MHA was instrumental in helping facilitating this successful outcome. Today the wall has been a complete success and the erosion has been halted as a result of the wall and the re positioning of the mouth of the Prosser River.
Improved Roading
Following the upgrading of the Tasman Highway along Salmons Straight, the Chamber had a meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure Mr. Brian Green with a request for further safety upgrades to the maintenance works. The Minister was also urged to upgrade and realign the road and bridge at Shea’s Creek, install a better safety barrier along Paradise Gorge (the inevitable pollution of the water supply will happen), improve the entrances to Orford and Triabunna. These requests were later refused. The Chamber will continue on in its efforts to attract fair road funding to the area which is desperately needed. On a positive note the Chamber can report that the replacement bridge for McClaines Creek will contain a bike path to allow cyclists to safely navigate the bridge. This concession came from the Minister following lobbying from the Chamber.
Triabunna Gymnasium
For over 30 years the Triabunna Community had been lobbying for a gymnasium for the Triabunna District School. A local committee headed by Dale Pearce (Chamber Vice President & School Principal) and Shirley Raspin finally secured funding for the project which was constructed in 2005 at a cost in excess of $400,000. Many representations to government were made and there was constant lobbying by the Chamber through local MHA Michael Polley.
