Burnie City Council is inviting people from or connected to the LGBTIQA+ community to have their say in shaping North West Tasmania’s first LGBTIQA+ Action Plan.
The Action Plan is being developed in partnership with Burnie’s LGBTIQA+ Community Advisory Group.
The group was formed last year when Burnie City Council voted to support equality and inclusion in April 2025.
Burnie’s LGBTIQA+ Community Advisory Group is made up of local community members with lived experience who are helping guide the process.
The initiative marks an important step in strengthening inclusion, safety and belonging across Burnie and the wider North West region.
“Burnie is a community where everyone should feel safe, respected and that they belong,” said Deputy Mayor, Giovanna Simpson.
“This Action Plan is about listening to our LGBTIQA+ community and taking meaningful steps to ensure their experiences shape how we move forward as a more inclusive city.”
“We know that people with lived experience are best placed to tell us what’s working and what needs to change, and I acknowledge the important role the Community Advisory Group has played in guiding this work.
“That feedback will help Council improve how we plan, deliver, and provide services, spaces and programs for our community. I encourage anyone connected to the LGBTIQA+ community in Burnie to take part in the survey.”
‘This is about listening to people’s experiences’
A community survey is now open to LGBTIQA+ people, family members, allies, and people who work with LGBTIQA+ communities who live, work, study in, visit, or have previously lived in Burnie.
The survey asks for feedback on:
- Who you are and your connection to the LGBTQIA+ community
- Your experiences living, working, or visiting Burnie
- Issues affecting LGBTQIA+ people in Burnie
- Your experiences with Burnie City Council
- Ideas for improving LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the community
“This is about listening to people’s experiences and turning those into practical actions that make a difference,” said Mel Venn, a member of the Community Advisory Group.
“For many LGBTIQA+ people, especially in regional communities, feeling safe, visible and included isn’t always a given.”
The Action Plan will be informed by community feedback and will identify practical actions Council can take to improve inclusion, access, and community connection.
Greg Rowlands, also a Community Advisory Group member, said broad community input is essential to shaping the Action Plan.
“Your feedback will help identify what’s working, where the gaps are, and what should happen next,” Greg said.
“Hearing from a wide range of people helps make sure this plan reflects the diversity of experiences across our community.”
“This includes young people, families, allies, and people from different backgrounds.”
Image: SuppliedSurvey closes May 18
Following the survey, community workshops will be held to explore key themes and help shape the final Action Plan.
All feedback will be treated confidentially and used to develop a draft plan.
This will be presented to Council and shared with the community for further input before being finalised.
Burnie City Council is committed to ensuring the process is safe, respectful, and inclusive, with engagement guided by trauma-informed and intersectional approaches.
This work aligns with the Tasmanian Government’s Our Inclusive Island: LGBTIQA+ Strategy 2025–26 and supports Burnie’s Making a Better Burnie Strategic Plan 2044.
It also represents the first stand-alone LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Action Plan for local government in North West Tasmania.
The survey closes Monday, May 18. You can find out more about it here.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
