About the Panel
The Waratah-Wynyard Sustainability and Environmental Advisory Panel (SEAP) is a collaborative partnership between Council and the community that provides informed advice to Council on environmental and sustainability matters.
The Panel’s purpose is to guide and support Council in protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment of Waratah-Wynyard. SEAP plays a key role in advising on the implementation, monitoring and review of the Integrated Council Environmental Plan (iCEP) 2020–2030.
Objectives of the SEAP are to:
- Represent a range of sectors and opinions relating to or impacting the natural environment, including community, agency, industry etc;
- Provide input and advice to Council on issues of environmental sustainability;
- Provide input to Council on behalf of the community and community organisations;
- Actively support Council’s consultation with and advocacy to the broader community;
- Provide specific and targeted feedback on relevant policies, strategies and key environmental initiatives;
- Establish working groups on an as required basis;
- Monitor and review environmental and sustainability issues in Waratah-Wynyard;
- Advocate (within the SEAP’s structure) to Council for the benefit of the Waratah-Wynyard environment; and
- Assist Council in determination of priority activities to be undertaken, annual objectives and action plans.
The objectives of the SEAP will be achieved through the implementation of the Action Plan.
SEAP Achievements
Revision to Sponsorship Signage Policy to exclude fossil fuels.
First EcoVillage event held at the annual Tulip Festival - an initiative of the SEAP.
Adopted the revised Tree and Vegetation Policy and Guidelines. This initiated the development of the broader Vegetation Framework (in progress)
Tour of Dulverton Waste Management’s new composting facility (ahead of FOGO roll out).
Investigate ways to improve home energy awareness and take-up of the toolkit.
Kerbside FOGO commencement -SEAP instrumental in informing communication materials ahead of rollout.
Research and school engagement on barriers for active commute (walk or bike).
Food Security Panel Discussion
(hosted by Hannah Moloney) at the Wynyard Tulip Festival EcoVillage.
Reviewed and presented to Council the State of the Environment Report 2024 (further review in progress to connect state’s findings to local impacts).
Advocated for the lowering of the speed limit on Sisters Beach Road to protect wildlife (request now sitting with the Commissioner for Transport for consideration).
Advocated to the Local Government Association of Tasmania regarding offshore oil and gas development in Tasmania.
Adopted a Food Security Policy and received a draft report regarding food security mapping partnerships in the area.
Adopted an Urban Stormwater
Policy and Guidelines - SEAP provided crucial environmental advice during its development.
Adopted the Draft Ballad Avenue Environment Reserve Master Plan - Developed through SEAP’s leadership alongside Cradle Coast Authority (project consultancy) and key stakeholders.
SEAP Documents
Membership
The Sustainability and Environmental Advisory Panel (SEAP) was formally established in September 2022, with its inaugural term commencing in January 2023.
SEAP brings together councillor representatives, community members and Council staff to provide advice, share ideas and help shape local action on sustainability and environmental priorities across Waratah-Wynyard.
The Panel has a minimum of eight members. Community representatives must live, work or have an active interest in the municipal area, and should reflect a diversity of perspectives, including at least one young person interested in building knowledge and networks in the environmental sector, and at least one person with links to the Indigenous community.
Following a recruitment process in 2025, new members joined SEAP for an approximately 12-month term ending in August 2026. During this term, the Panel has continued to contribute to important local conversations and initiatives, including climate leadership, biodiversity, vegetation strategy, advocacy priorities, site-based planning and broader environmental action across the municipality.
SEAP offers a meaningful opportunity for community members to work alongside Council, contribute informed local perspectives, and help shape a more sustainable future for Waratah-Wynyard. The current SEAP term continues until August 2026.