The Burnie City Council has released the first images of its plans to redevelop the north-west city’s foreshore.
The masterplan divides the foreshore into five zones, from an expanded playground at Discovery Point to protected penguin habitat at Blackman’s Point.
Council general manager Shane Crawford said the aim was to bring more people into the city centre.
“This revitalisation is about creating a welcoming, accessible and vibrant space that people of all ages can enjoy, while strengthening the connection between our waterfront and the CBD,” he said.
“We want to encourage people to spend more time in the city centre, support local businesses and create a place our community feels proud of.”
The first stage of work will include the playground, improved access and new landscaping. It is expected to start in March or April next year and has an allocated project value of $3.8 million.
At Discovery Point, the playground will be expanded to make it more accessible and cater for a wider range of ages. New picnic areas are also planned.
Next door, Dune Lawn will have open grassed areas for events and community gatherings, while the Beach Hub will improve beach access around the restaurants and Surf Life Saving Club.
The Wellness Plaza will feature outdoor gym equipment, a basketball half-court and new public toilets, including a Changing Places facility.
At Blackman’s Point, work will focus on repairing the coastline, protecting little penguins and adding viewing areas.
A bouldering wall, gaga ball pit and parkour area are planned for a later stage.
The first stage of work is being paid for out of $17.3 million the Liberals promised during the 2024 state election campaign.
The council said all of that money had now been paid and about $3.8 million of it has been set aside for the foreshore.
Some early work has already been completed, including the removal of the disused rail line along North Terrace to make way for the redevelopment.
The rails are in storage, with the state government planning to offer them to heritage rail groups through an expression of interest process.
The new playground equipment has also been ordered.
The council said community feedback had helped shape the design, with safety, particularly better lighting, among the main concerns raised.
People also highlighted access, recreation and protecting the coastal environment.
The next steps are detailed design work and calling for construction tenders, with the council to release a timeline for later stages once details are confirmed.
