The City of Burnie in Tasmania’s northwest has endorsed its first freestanding LGBTIQA+ Action Plan, laying out actions to promote inclusion in the region.
The LGBTIQA+ Action Plan was opened for consultation earlier this year, and developed in partnership with the City’s LGBTIQA+ Community Advisory Group, made up of community members with lived experience.
Advisory Group member and Deputy Mayor Giovanna Simpson said the Plan responded directly to what Council heard from the community.
“What we heard was clear – there is still work to do to ensure Burnie is a place where LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, welcome and included,” Councillor Simpson said.
“More than half of survey participants did not consider Burnie a welcoming and inclusive place for LGBTIQA+ people, while almost 60 per cent said they had limited what they do because of fear of exclusion, discrimination or violence.”
“The actions in our plan will help promote inclusion for LGBTIQA+ people, which in turn will benefit the whole of the Burnie community by signalling that we are a welcoming and accepting place.”
The Plan focuses on three priority areas: A Safe and Respectful Burnie – supporting safer, more inclusive public spaces and experiences;
Belonging and Connection – strengthening connection, visibility, and opportunities for participation; and An Inclusive Council – embedding LGBTIQA+ inclusion across Council services, facilities, programs, and everyday practices.
LGBTIQA+ Community Advisory Group member, Maxxy Prior, said inclusion needs to be reflected in people’s everyday experiences.
“Inclusion is not just about policies or big events. It is about the everyday experience of feeling comfortable, respected, and welcome – whether you are using a Council service, attending an event, joining a community activity or simply going about your day.
“For many LGBTIQA+ people, that hasn’t always been the experience. We want people to be able to go about their lives without having to second-guess whether they will be accepted because of who they are.
“This Plan is an important step towards making that sense of safety and belonging a more consistent part of everyday life in Burnie.”
The Plan includes practical actions to make Council facilities, services and communications more inclusive, strengthen community connection and participation, support greater understanding of LGBTIQA+ inclusion, and advocate for change on issues beyond Council’s direct responsibility.
Councillor Simpson said endorsing the Plan, which is a first among North West Tasmanian Councils, was an important milestone, but the work would continue through implementation.
“Endorsing the Plan is an important step, but inclusion is built through the everyday work of Council and the community,” Councillor Simpson said.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Advisory Group, LGBTIQA+ community and our partners to put the Plan into action.”
The Burnie LGBTIQA+ Action Plan 2026-2031 is available on the Council website at burnie.tas.gov.au
