Introduction
Devonport City Council is the local government authority responsible for delivering municipal services, infrastructure, community development and strategic planning across the Devonport local government area in north-west Tasmania, Australia.
The Council manages roads, public spaces, waste services, recreation facilities, cultural venues, community programmes, development approvals and major infrastructure projects. It also provides financial assistance to local nonprofit organisations, residents, events and community initiatives through several grant programmes.
History and Background
Devonport City Council operates within Tasmania’s system of local government and carries out its statutory responsibilities under the Local Government Act 1993.
Its long-term direction is guided by the Devonport Strategic Plan 2009–2030. Originally adopted in 2009, the plan was formally reviewed in 2014, 2019 and 2023 to ensure it continued to reflect community priorities and changing regional needs.
The Council has played a central role in Devonport’s transformation from a traditional port community into a major regional centre for business, tourism, culture, recreation and transport.
One of its major long-term initiatives is the LIVING CITY urban renewal programme, adopted in 2014. The project has supported redevelopment of Devonport’s central business district and waterfront, including cultural, convention, hospitality and public-space infrastructure.
The Council also acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal People as the Traditional Owners and continuing custodians of lutruwita, Tasmania.
Mission and Purpose
Devonport City Council’s vision is for Devonport to be a thriving and welcoming regional city that lives lightly by the river and sea.
Its strategic purpose includes strengthening Devonport’s role as a regional leader, creating a connected and inclusive community, protecting the natural environment, supporting economic development and delivering transparent local government.
The Council seeks to provide reliable public services and infrastructure while maintaining the city’s liveability, identity and long-term financial sustainability.
Its responsibilities include maintaining roads, footpaths, shared pathways, parks, reserves and sporting grounds. It also manages waste and recycling services, public health activities, planning and building approvals, animal management and community facilities.
The Council supports arts, culture, tourism and events through facilities and initiatives such as the paranaple arts centre, paranaple convention centre, Bass Strait Maritime Museum, Devonport Jazz and community celebrations.
Community engagement is encouraged through Council meetings, public consultations, advisory groups, volunteering opportunities and the Speak Up Devonport platform.
Governance and Structure
Devonport City Council is governed by elected councillors who represent the local community and make decisions about policies, budgets, services and strategic priorities.
Alison Jarman serves as Mayor, while Stacey Sheehan serves as Deputy Mayor. Local government elections are held every four years.
The elected Council is supported by a General Manager and professional staff responsible for implementing Council decisions and managing municipal operations.
Council meetings provide a formal forum for decision-making and public accountability. Agendas, minutes, policies, annual reports, budgets and strategic documents are published on the Council’s website.
Special committees and working groups may be established under the Local Government Act 1993 to provide advice, oversee particular responsibilities and increase community participation.
The Devonport Youth Advisory Group represents residents aged 14 to 18 and provides young people with opportunities to contribute to decisions affecting the city.
Funding and Grants
Devonport City Council finances its activities through municipal rates, service charges, fees, government funding, grants and other operating income.
The proposed 2026–27 budget included estimated income of $59.34 million, operational expenditure of $58.01 million and a capital works programme valued at $33.4 million.
The Council also distributes funding through its Community Financial Assistance Scheme. Available support includes major grants, minor grants, in-kind assistance, individual development grants, community donations, community rate remissions and event sponsorship.
The current Major and Minor Grants Program provides between $300 and $25,000 for eligible community initiatives. Two funding rounds are conducted annually.
Requests of up to $7,500 generally do not require co-funding, except for equipment purchases, which require a 50% contribution.
Requests between $7,501 and $15,000 require 50% co-funding through cash or in-kind contributions. Requests between $15,001 and $25,000 require 75% co-funding.
Eligible contributions can include an applicant’s own funds, support from other grant providers, sponsorship, donated goods and services, venue or equipment assistance and volunteer time.
Eligible applicants are generally legally constituted not-for-profit community organisations operating within the Devonport local government area or delivering projects that provide clear benefits to local residents.
Applicants must have appropriate insurance, no outstanding debt to the Council and no overdue reporting obligations from previous grants. Projects must demonstrate community need, public benefit, value for money, organisational capacity, accessibility and alignment with Council priorities.
Major Programs and Initiatives
The Major Grants Program provides up to $25,000 for larger community projects, infrastructure improvements, cultural initiatives, economic development, sport, recreation and healthy-living activities.
The Minor Grants Program provides up to $5,000 for smaller projects, activities and events that strengthen the Devonport community.
Individual Development Grants help Devonport residents participate in national or international competitions, conferences and events. Support can cover travel, accommodation, registration, entry fees and uniforms.
Eligible individuals may receive up to $250 for international participation or $100 for domestic participation. Teams or groups attending the same event can receive a combined maximum of $250.
In-Kind Assistance Grants provide support such as facility hire, equipment hire and fee waivers. Assistance is subject to Council resources and annual budget allocations.
Community Donations support organisations, groups and individuals who are not eligible under another financial assistance programme. Funding may support fundraising events, community services, charitable activities and disaster relief appeals.
Community Rates Remissions provide full or partial rate relief to eligible incorporated nonprofit organisations that own property or are responsible for paying municipal rates.
The Event Sponsorship Fund supports festivals, events and attractions that align with the Council’s event strategy and contribute to Devonport’s social, cultural and economic development.
Beyond grantmaking, major Council initiatives include the LIVING CITY redevelopment, Devonport Oval Sports Complex, Coastal Pathway, Devonport QuayLink, Devonport Showground redevelopment and Don Lillico Irrigation Scheme.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Devonport City Council’s investments affect transport, recreation, environmental sustainability, community well-being, culture and regional economic development.
The 2026–27 capital programme allocated $24 million, including government funding, towards completing the Devonport Indoor Sports Stadium. The facility is expected to support sport, recreation, community participation and regional economic activity.
The budget also included $1.325 million for improvements to the Splash Aquatic Centre, covering its water-heating system, car park and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning infrastructure.
Other planned investments included pathway improvements, road and drainage upgrades, traffic management, a fenced off-leash dog area and refurbishment of public facilities.
The Council maintains approximately 533 kilometres of roads, footpaths and shared pathways, along with 63 parks and reserves and 14 sporting grounds.
The completed Spreyton Connector provides a 2.2-kilometre pathway between Horsehead Creek and Maidstone Park. Supported by $1.27 million from the Tasmanian Government’s Better Active Transport Grant Program, it promotes walking, cycling, accessibility and community connection.
The Council’s community grants enable nonprofit groups to deliver projects, purchase equipment, improve facilities, hold events and provide programmes that might otherwise lack sufficient resources.
Recipients must submit a final report within six weeks of completing their projects. Reports include evidence of expenditure, publicity materials and photographs, helping the Council monitor outcomes and maintain accountability.
Conclusion
Devonport City Council plays a central role in shaping the social, environmental and economic future of Devonport, Tasmania.
Through elected governance, long-term planning and community consultation, the Council delivers essential services while investing in infrastructure, public spaces, recreation, culture and sustainable development.
Its financial assistance programmes provide practical support for nonprofit organisations, residents, community events and local initiatives. These programmes complement larger investments in transport, urban renewal, sporting facilities and regional development.
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