The Council of Tasmania’s City of Burnie is seeking input on their inaugural LGBTIQA+ Action Plan, launching a survey to collect feedback from the community.
The Plan will be developed in partnership with the City’s LGBTIQA+ Community Advisory Group, which is made up of community members with lived experience. The Group was established in April 2025 when it was decided to work towards this Action Plan.
The Plan will identify practical actions the Council can take to improve inclusion, access and community connection.
Deputy Mayor, Giovanna Simpson, said the Action Plan would help ensure all members of the community
feel valued and respected.
“Burnie is a community where everyone should feel safe, respected and that they belong,” Simpson said.
“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.”
Simpson adds that people with lived experience are best placed to tell the Council what’s working and what needs to change.
“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.”
Mel Venn of the Advisory Group said this process is about making sure local voices are heard and reflected.
“This is about listening to people’s experiences and turning those into practical actions that make a
difference,” Venn said.
“For many LGBTIQA+ people, especially in regional communities, feeling safe, visible and
included isn’t always a given.”
Fellow Advisory Group member Greg Rowlands adds that broad community input is essential to this Plan.
“Hearing from a wide range of people helps make sure this plan reflects the diversity of experiences across our community — including young people, families, allies, and people from different backgrounds,” Rowlands said.
“Your feedback will help identify what’s working, where the gaps are, and what should happen next.”
If you’re a reader who lives, works, studys in or visits Burnie, or are a previous resident, the survey is available here.
All feedback will be treated confidentially and used to develop a draft plan, which will be presented to Council and shared with the community for further input before being finalised.
