Triabunna Tomorrow
Image credit: Jess Oakenfull
About
Triabunna Tomorrow is a place-based initiative that seeks to strengthen Triabunna’s role as the gateway to Maria Island and increase the town’s appeal as a key destination on Tasmania’s East Coast. The project focuses on reimagining the town’s built environment to reflect its natural beauty, cultural identity, and tourism potential—encouraging visitors to stop, explore, and connect with the community.
Triabunna Tomorrow is anchored by two newly funded infrastructure projects: the Marine Precinct and the Streetscape Project. These projects build on earlier planning work and aim to deliver a coordinated vision for urban design, tourism development, and local infrastructure.
East Coast Tasmania Tourism is leading the development of the Marine Precinct Infrastructure Plan, while Glamorgan Spring Bay Council is delivering the refined Streetscape Design. Both projects are funded through the Eastern Strategic Regional Partnership—a collaboration between the Tasmanian Government via The Department of Premier and Cabinet and Department of State Growth, Break O’Day Council and Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania, and Regional Development Australia – Tasmania.
The Partnership supports regional priorities including tourism, health, education, and youth employment. This project also aligns with the East Coast Positive Impact Plan, currently under development as a region-wide decision-making framework.
You can access the full Terms of Reference in the resources section of this page, or keep reading to learn more.
Project Plan
Project Stage
1. Establishing project foundations
2. Developing infrastructure plan
3: Planning of implementation
Duration
2-3 months
6-7 months
2-3 months
Estimated Completion Date
July 2025
March 2026
June 2026
Stage 1
Establishing the foundations of the project
Outcome: Key stakeholders will come together to form a project group and an ECTT board subcommittee and work collaboratively to achieve the agreed outcomes of the Triabunna Tomorrow Marine Precinct Infrastructure Project.
Stage 2
Developing the infrastructure plan
Outcome: A Marine Precinct Infrastructure Priority Plan will be developed, incorporating a clear priority matrix and funding strategies for short-, medium-, and long-term projects. The plan will be shaped in collaboration with key stakeholders and informed by community input and support.
Stage 3
Planning for implementation of the project
Outcome: A delivery partnership will be formed, and a plan will be developed outlining how the identified infrastructure priorities can be realised over the next 12-18 months.
Deliverables
Stage 1
Compilation of current infrastructure plans
Overview of past critical actions & decisions
Project Group Terms of Reference (TOR) and governance framework
Project plan
Stage 2
Infrastructure vision
Infrastructure priority matrix
Infrastructure priority plan
Consultation summaries
Stage 3
Execution and monitoring plan
Delivery Partner Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Resources
Triabunna Urban Design Study Report (2016)
This design report presents the outcomes of an urban design study of Triabunna, developed through a collaboration between Monash University’s MADA, the University of Tasmania’s Regional Urban Studies Laboratory (RUSL), Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, Spring Bay Mill, and gilby + brewin architecture / urbanism. It builds on previous planning work, including the 2013 Glamorgan Spring Bay Community Plan and the Triabunna/Orford Structure Plan, translating long-term visions into a set of practical Stage 1 project proposals for the town.
Triabunna Tomorrow Streetscape Plan (2016)
The Triabunna Tomorrow Streetscape Plan (2016) outlines a design framework for the future development of the town’s key public spaces and streetscapes. It builds on the outcomes of the Triabunna Tomorrow student engagement process and the subsequent Urban Design Study, expanding Stage 1 project concepts into a broader vision for the town. The plan serves as a guiding structure for shaping the public realm and incorporates emerging ideas from the University of Tasmania’s Landscape Studies Group, aiming to support coordinated and thoughtful growth in line with Triabunna’s long-term aspirations.
GSBC Harbour Master Plan (2018)
The GSBC Harbour Master Plan sets out a staged vision to expand and enhance Triabunna’s port infrastructure, supporting its role as a key tourism and marine services hub on Tasmania’s East Coast. Led by Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, the plan includes a new Maria Island ferry terminal and visitor centre, expanded commercial and recreational berths, upgraded marine servicing, and land reclamation works. Building on prior investment, the project addresses growing demand and supports the region’s tourism, aquaculture and economic development priorities.
Draft Terms of Reference
This draft Terms of Reference outlines the purpose, structure, and responsibilities of the Project Group established to support the development of the Triabunna Tomorrow Marine Precinct Infrastructure Plan. Developed by Project Facilitator Claudia Butler, the document sets the foundation for a collaborative planning process led by East Coast Tasmania Tourism (ECTT).
It defines the group’s role in ensuring the plan is practical, community-informed, and aligned with long-term regional priorities. The document also outlines project objectives, governance arrangements, stakeholder representation, and member expectations across a staged timeline from July 2025 to May 2026.
Project Charter
This draft Project Charter outlines the key stages, objectives, and outputs of the Triabunna Tomorrow Marine Precinct Infrastructure Project. Developed by Project Facilitator Claudia Butler, it serves as a foundational roadmap for the collaborative planning process, detailing how the project will move from early stakeholder engagement through to implementation.
The Charter outlines three project stages—foundations, plan development, and implementation—and defines outcomes, stakeholder roles, and governance to guide a practical, community-supported plan.
Key components of this Charter have been extracted and presented within the Project Plan section of this website.
Image credit: Jess Oakenfull
Frequently Asked Questions
What are we trying to achieve?
We’re working to develop a clear, achievable infrastructure plan that supports Triabunna’s future as a vibrant marine precinct and gateway to Maria Island. Through collaboration with key stakeholders and the community, the project aims to prioritise infrastructure needs, attract investment, and ensure the town’s growth is thoughtful, sustainable, and aligned with local values. Ultimately, the goal is to create positive outcomes for both residents and visitors, while strengthening Triabunna’s role in the broader East Coast tourism and marine economy.
Who is running this project?
The project is led by East Coast Tasmania Tourism (ECTT), with facilitation by Claudia Butler, an experienced collaborative planning specialist. ECTT is responsible for project governance and coordination, while Claudia is guiding the process to ensure it is inclusive, practical, and community-informed.
Governance is supported through a Project Group made up of representatives from key stakeholder groups, and an ECTT Subcommittee, which provides oversight, strategic direction, and ensures accountability throughout the project.
How is this project supported?
Triabunna Tomorrow is supported through the Strategic Regional Partnership, a collaborative funding initiative backed by the Tasmanian Government (via the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of State Growth), Break O’Day Council, Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, East Coast Tasmania Tourism, the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, and Regional Development Australia – Tasmania.
The Strategic Regional Partnership brings together regional partners to align efforts around local priorities and improve outcomes across Tasmania’s East Coast. As part of this initiative, the Tasmanian Government is investing more than $5.2 million into projects that support health services, education, youth employment, tourism, and infrastructure planning.
Triabunna Tomorrow is one of three tourism-specific projects supported under this funding. While connected through the Partnership, it is a stand-alone initiative focused specifically on future infrastructure planning and development in Triabunna. The project is locally led and community-informed, contributing to a broader vision for sustainable, place-based tourism and economic development on the East Coast.
How does this project relate to earlier plans and strategies?
The Triabunna Tomorrow Marine Precinct Infrastructure Plan builds directly on a series of earlier planning documents that have shaped the town’s development vision over the past decade. These include:
Triabunna Tomorrow Urban Design Study Report (2016)
Triabunna Tomorrow Streetscape Design Concept (2016)
Glamorgan Spring Bay Council Harbour Master Plan (2018)
These documents identified key opportunities to enhance Triabunna’s streetscapes, public spaces, and marine infrastructure in line with its growing role as the gateway to Maria Island. The current project refines and updates these earlier ideas, translating them into a coordinated, prioritised infrastructure plan to guide investment and development over the short, medium, and long term.
Who is involved in the project group?
The project group is made up of representatives from key stakeholder groups with a connection to Triabunna’s marine precinct. This includes government agencies, marine users, business operators, community groups, and the Aboriginal community.
Stakeholder representatives have been appointed in two ways:
Direct appointments from organisations with existing structures (e.g. council, Parks & Wildlife, boat clubs)
Expression of Interest (EOI) process for stakeholder groups without formal organisations (e.g. accommodation providers, general business, community members)
The goal is to ensure diverse perspectives are included and that the group reflects those most affected by, or contributing to, the future of Triabunna’s marine infrastructure.
How will the community be involved?
Community involvement is a central part of the project. The process has been designed to ensure that local voices shape the plan and its priorities. In addition to stakeholder representation on the project group, broader community engagement activities will be held to gather input, test ideas, and ensure the final plan reflects local values and needs.
Opportunities to engage may include community conversations, surveys, drop-in sessions, and updates through local channels. The aim is to ensure the final plan holds social licence—meaning it is informed by, supported by, and benefits the community it is designed to serve.
How will decisions be made?
The project group will work collaboratively to develop the Marine Precinct Infrastructure Plan, guided by shared criteria and a commitment to consensus wherever possible. East Coast Tasmania Tourism (ECTT) provides oversight and governance through a dedicated Triabunna Tomorrow Subcommittee, which includes stakeholders with decision-making authority and project accountability.
If the project group cannot reach agreement on key issues, the Subcommittee—and ultimately the ECTT Board—may provide further direction. However, every effort will be made to resolve decisions collaboratively and inclusively before any top-down interventions are considered.
What happens after the plan is developed?
Once the infrastructure plan is complete (Stage 2), the project will move into Stage 3: Planning for Implementation. This stage involves forming a delivery partnership, confirming responsibilities, and outlining a realistic pathway to bring the identified infrastructure priorities to life.
This includes:
Confirming roles for delivery partners
Identifying funding pathways
Developing a monitoring and evaluation plan
Keeping the community informed and engaged during implementation
Stage 3 ensures the plan doesn’t just sit on a shelf—it becomes a working roadmap for real, place-based progress in Triabunna.
Project Facilitator
Claudia Butler
East Coast Tasmania Tourism (ECTT) has engaged Claudia Butler to manage this project. Claudia is a highly experienced senior leader and expert in collaborative processes. She has delivered impactful programs and projects across various industries, including government. Claudia is widely recognised for her ability to foster engagement, harness diverse perspectives, and mobilise collective action towards shared goals.
To learn more about Claudia, visit her LinkedIn profile and website.
Contact us
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact:
Project Facilitator:
Claudia Butler
P: 0448 799 701
E: [email protected]
Acting CEO East Coast Tasmania Tourism
Damian Mather
P: 0412 931 089
E: [email protected]
Video credit: Bree Sanders
