ERA, together with Playstreet landscape architects, was engaged by the West Coast Council and Tasmanian Ports Corporation to deliver a new vision for the Strahan waterfront.

The Strahan Waterfront Precinct Plan represents a consolidated vision by all land managers and users for the renewal of the Strahan waterfront precinct, providing a focus for regional tourism activities based on an authentic working port experience as well as the continuing growth of fishing and marine activities on Tasmania’s West Coast.

The plan outlines specific recommendations relevant to the land manager regarding the location and connectivity between specific land users. Early and targeted consultation with key stakeholders focused on Strahan residents and the people and organisations involved in the working port and tourism.

The plan recognises three distinct sub-precincts to focus like activities: the fishing vessel/cruise boat sub-precinct, the Huon pine sub-precinct, and fish farm sub-precinct. This recognised a progressive shift along the waterfront from visitor to more industrial activities. Importantly, recommendations were made for connecting the sub-precincts to provide a way to support semi-industrial uses that have a tourism element.

The plan has been well accepted by land managers and is already being progressively implemented through a series of small-scale works and developments. ERA updated the precinct plan in early 2021.

2017 Tasmanian Awards for Planning Excellence:

• Best planning ideas – small project