Stanley Chamber of Commerce
On 23rd June 2005, a meeting was called to bring the businesspeople of Stanley together to discuss what the township needed to go forward into the future , keep the businesses in the town viable and a place where the residents felt part of a vibrant community.
There had been a growing concern within the community of Stanley, at the lack of growth within the village, as it was seen as a tourist destination with only a 6 to 8 month season. This caused a lack of employment opportunities, a loss of local services and a cause for locals to move away.
From this initial meeting the Stanley Chamber of Commerce was formed and went on to become a very strong voice for the town, with monthly meetings and good attendances. Confidence in the businesspeople of Stanley began to build, businesses started to reopen, accommodation options started to increase, funding initiatives were put in place and the Chamber of Commerce became a very much respected organization at both local and state government level.
Through the Chamber of Commerce, we were able to achieve many things for the town by lobbying for funding for specific projects to enhance the township for the betterment of the businesses and locals, and to encourage more visitors to our unique village.
Current projects still to be completed as of June 2023
Godfreys Beach playground – Due to the persistence of the Chamber, plans are now being drawn up to be submitted to Council to upgrade the playground and make it safe and user friendly for children. This includes fencing the actual playground area with suitable fencing style including safety gates and installing more varied play equipment, including some nature based.
Stanley Highway Upgrade – the Chamber lobbied the State Government to upgrade the Stanley Highway and funds have been committed ($7m) to carry out these major road works.
Effluent Tank – The Chamber has liaised with stakeholders (Greenhams and livestock carriers) to install an effluent tank in Stanley for the livestock trucks to use, which would eliminate the problem of effluent being spilled onto the roadway.
SCC is a fully affiliated member with the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce.
Projects initiated and achieved by the Stanley Chamber of Commerce
Construction of the walking track running along the front of Stanley on the Bay around to the wharf area to enable people to walk or ride their bike safely around to the wharf area, keeping them off this narrow and quite dangerous section of road.
Rebuild, paint and maintain the red phone box at the Post Office.
Sourced a grant in conjunction with Circular Head Council to install underground power in the main street (Church Street), which in turn was one of the main drawcards for the film “The Light Between Oceans” to be filmed in Stanley.
Secured a community grant of $5,000 from C H Council to install a photographic record around the Stanley streetscape of the film “The Light Between Oceans”.
Liaise with MAST which enabled the building of 2 new boat ramps and liaise with CH Council to take over the maintenance of these boat ramps.
Organised and funded the upgrade of the Western Inlet road to enable better access for recreational fisherman and provided additional parking area for vehicles and boat trailers.
Secured funding from MAST to improve boat launching facility at West Inlet and excavate the main channel.
The construction of the 5km return walking and biking track which was funded by a grant of $100,000 obtained through the state Liberal Government.
Initiated the spraying of the gorse and weed control on the NUT through the Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Stanley Wedding Website was built and is monitored by the SCC.
The funding, purchase and installation of a number of defibrillators throughout the township.
The Christmas trees and funding for lights for these trees was a SCC initiative.
Lobbying in conjunction with the Discovery Centre Museum for the funding of $665,000 obtained through the State Liberal Party to purchase St. Pauls Anglican Church in Stanley.
Lobbied the Federal Government for $15,000 to allow SCC to engage TasNetworks to design and to cost the further extension of underground power in the main street / Alexander Terrace area.
Lobbied TasNetworks to renew and/or carry out maintenance on the power poles in Stanley commencing from the highway into the township, which has been completed.
Lobbied MAST and Tas Ports to install a new floating pontoon at the fishermans dock. This was a major project and funds of around $1.5m were required and obtained to complete this project.
Letter of support to Highfield Advisory Committee for funding of $100,000 to complete stage 2 of the interpretation plan at Highfield Historic Site.
Liased with State Growth to reduce the speed limit within the town boundary. This was a necessity with the increased volume of heavy vehicle traffic through the town.
Co-ordinated with the C H Council to install the BBQ picnic table at Tatlows beach which was donated by Rocky Cape Lions Club.
SCC has given numerous letters of support to businesses in the town to obtain liquor licences etc, to enhance their businesses.
Numerous other smaller projects have also been initiated and successfully completed by the SCC over the years.