28/09/2026
Bell Bay’s future is central to Northern Tasmania’s prosperity and BBAMZ has been advocating to ensure it receives the attention, infrastructure and investment it deserves.
We welcome the Northern Economic Plan’s recognition of Bell Bay as a key driver of industrial growth, advanced manufacturing and exports.
The plan reflects priorities BBAMZ has been championing with government, industry and our members:
• Progressing the Tamar irrigation and water scheme to strengthen water security and support industrial investment and agricultural growth.
• Advancing our advocacy for a Bell Bay Special Economic Zone. The plan's proposed Special Development Precincts represent a positive step towards more coordinated planning, enabling infrastructure and greater investment certainty.
• Building on Bell Bay's existing strengths, including its port, skilled workforce, industrial land and established businesses, to attract investment and expand manufacturing and maritime opportunities.
These are welcome statements. The next step is delivery.
But one critical issue remains unresolved: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟬-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲.
Securing an internationally competitive, long-term electricity agreement is essential to protecting jobs, local suppliers and the industrial capability that underpins this precinct. Workers, businesses and the wider community need certainty.
Planning for new industries must go hand in hand with securing the industries we already have.
BBAMZ will continue advocating for action on both, turning Bell Bay’s potential into investment and jobs, while standing firmly behind the businesses and people who sustain it today.
Read the Northern Economic Plan here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:3e8850cd-8fcf-4faa-ba52-982aca4e8d1c
