Council to consult on future of diving platform

Tuesday, 30 January 2024

Colloquially referred to as DIVO by Beauty Point residents, the platform is managed by Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service (PWS).

Recently, concerns were raised with the PWS regarding the condition of the platform, which has stood partly submerged several meters off the shore for a number of decades and has been widely used by residents and visitors alike.

West Tamar Council Mayor Christina Holmdahl said that given how long the platform had been in its current location, it was inevitable that at some stage, it would need to be remediated or replaced.

"The reality is, this day was always going to come, but Council wants to see the platform either repaired or replaced for use by the local community,” Mayor Holmdahl said.

“Council understands the importance of the platform to the Beauty Point community, particularly if the existing platform does need to be replaced, and believes it is best placed to lead the consultation process with residents  on behalf of Parks & Wildlife.”

Mayor Holmdahl said that it was vital that both Council and the PWS clearly understood the community's wishes and if the platform does needs to be replaced, do they want another swimming pontoon and is the current location the best one going forward?

"We encourage anyone in our community with an interest to engage in this process - we believe that involving our passionate locals in this decision-making process is vital to finding a solution that aligns with the needs and wishes of all West Tamar residents,” Mayor Holmdahl said.

The consultation process will open on Monday, February 12, through until Sunday, March 10 on both the Council's website, as well as official social channels.

In the interim, Mayor Holmdahl said Council officers have confirmed with PWS that they have no immediate plans to remove the platform.

“Once the Council and PWS have identified the preferred future solution, , it will then need to go through relevant Council and PWS approval processes. Further information on PWS assessment and approvals can be found on the Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania website. “