The West Coast Council recently joined the More Than Mining Coalition with the decision made at the January 2022 Council meeting.
The West Coast of Tasmania has long suffered with below required housing investment partially due to the cyclical nature of the mining economy and the impact that has on housing prices. This is similar in mining communities right across the country.
The More than Mining Coalition calls on the Federal Government to create a regional tax incentive to support our regional mining communities. This would significantly benefit people living on the West Coast and if designed properly, would deliver increased investment in housing on the West Coast.
The West Coast Council has previously argued for increased subsidies for mining communities through the taxation system. Joining the Coalition supports the role of Council in advocacy for the region.
West Coast Mayor Shane Pitt said
"Housing is the key economic barrier on the West Coast of Tasmania, in part because of the cyclical nature of mining we do not have enough housing of the right quality to attract young families to our community. This not only impacts those in the mining industry but also others that are the life of our communities, we do nothave enough housing for our doctors, nurses or teachers."
