Mayor's message
Building the foundations for Clarence’s future
The 2025–26 Annual Report provides an opportunity to reflect on what City of Clarence has achieved over the past year and how we are preparing for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
This has been a significant year for Clarence. We have delivered practical improvements for our community while adopting major plans and strategies that will guide the city’s growth, protect what makes Clarence special, and ensure we remain focused on the needs of our residents.
One of our most important achievements was the adoption of the Strategic Plan 2025–2035. Developed with input from our community, the plan establishes a clear direction for the next decade through four priority areas: Strategy and Delivery, Sustainable Growth, Culture and Place, and Wellbeing and Belonging. These priorities will shape our decisions and help us respond to population growth, changing community needs, and increasing pressure on infrastructure and services.
Council also adopted the Clarence City Heart Plan, establishing a long-term vision for the Rosny Park–Kangaroo Bay area as the social, economic, and cultural heart of Clarence. The plan will create a vibrant city centre, bringing together eight interconnected precincts, and providing a framework for investment, improved public spaces, and better social connection. This vision received an important $1.67 million boost in Australian Government funding to develop a business case and master plan for a new Cultural and Creative Industries Precinct at Rosny Farm. The precinct, as it currently exists, has continued to strengthen its reputation as one of Tasmania’s leading cultural destinations. A partnership with Dark Mofo attracted approximately 9,400 visitors to Rosny Farm, while the 30th Clarence Jazz Festival welcomed more than 4,500 patrons and generated an estimated $1.4 million in economic activity.
Across the city, we continued to invest in places that support active, healthy, and connected communities. The new $1.2 million Cambridge Dog Park opened in June 2026 as the first completed project under the Cambridge Oval Master Plan.
City of Clarence also progressed its partnership with the Department for Education, Children and Young People to deliver improved sporting and community facilities alongside the redevelopment of Cambridge Primary School.
Our coastline, natural areas, and open spaces remain central to the Clarence way of life. During the year, Council adopted the Coastal Access Strategy and Little Howrah Beach Master Plan, providing clear direction for more accessible, inclusive and resilient coastal spaces. New management plans were also adopted for Glebe Hill Bushland Reserve and Waverley Flora Park, helping protect their significant natural values for future generations.
The Clarence Cycling Strategy 2025–2035 was another important milestone, setting out a long-term approach to building a safer, more connected and accessible cycling network.
Tasmania’s first community battery was also launched at Glebe Hill, supporting greater use of household solar energy and demonstrating what can be achieved through collaboration between different levels of government and the energy sector.
We continued to strengthen inclusion and belonging throughout Clarence. Our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, creating a framework to embed reconciliation, respect and truth-telling throughout our organisation. We also stood alongside neighbouring councils and community leaders through the We Stand Together Against Racism campaign, including the second annual Walk Against Racism, which brought around 400 people together.
Our youth programs created more opportunities for young people to connect and participate. Rosny Arvos provided a safe and welcoming place for young people to go while waiting for buses as an alternative to the Rosny bus mall, while Youth Week activities celebrated their creativity and contribution to community life. Our longstanding sister-city relationship with Akkeshi also continued to provide local students with valuable opportunities to build confidence, independence and cultural understanding.
Community input has remained fundamental to our work. Throughout the year, thousands of people contributed to engagements covering strategic planning, coastal access, road safety, open space, community wellbeing, dog management, and the future of individual parks and reserves. This feedback helps Council understand the community’s priorities and make better-informed decisions while balancing technical, financial, environmental, and legislative considerations. Importantly, when people feel heard and involved, they are more likely to participate, connect, contribute, and take pride in their community. We saw this in action at our Citizen of the Year awards, where a record number of community nominations helped us celebrate the strong spirit of Clarence.
City of Clarence finished the year in a sound financial position, once again receiving an unqualified audit report. We also adopted the 2026–27 Annual Plan and Budget, which includes a capital works program of more than $32 million. This investment will help renew ageing infrastructure, improve roads and footpaths, manage stormwater, enhance sporting facilities, and progress important projects across our growing city.
These achievements would not have been possible without the commitment of my fellow Councillors, Chief Executive Officer Ian Nelson, and city officers. I also acknowledge the many community organisations and volunteers, who contribute so much to our city, as well as the not-for-profits, private businesses, and government partners who help us deliver so many great outcomes for our city.
Most importantly, I thank the people of Clarence for continuing to share their ideas, give their time, and take an active role in shaping our future.
Together, we are building a connected, inclusive, and resilient city. One that respects its past, responds to the needs of today, and plans confidently for generations to come.
CEO’s message
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