The Central Highlands Council was created in 1993 through the merging of the former Municipalities of Bothwell and Hamilton. The area of the Municipality is 8010 square kilometers. The municipality has a population of approximately 2554 permanent residents scattered throughout the district, which is predominately a rural based economy. Situated in the centre of Tasmania, the Central Highlands was home to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Big River Tribe. Strong elements of Scottish and Irish ancestry is apparent throughout the Central Highlands. History, culture, tourism & agriculture is very important to our small rural townships. The Central Highlands has many of the State’s premier trout fishing lakes. Townships and localities include Bothwell, Hamilton, Gretna, Ellendale, Fentonbury, Westerway, Ouse, Tarraleah, Wayatinah, Bronte Park, Derwent Bridge, Arthurs Lake and the Miena/Great Lake area. Many historical buildings can be found throughout the Municipality. Tourist information can be obtained from the Bothwell Tourist Information Centre in Market Place, Bothwell, phone 6259 4033. Telephone—landline and mobile service are available in most areas. BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT:
Development within Council area is governed by the Building Code of Australia and the Central Highlands Planning Scheme 1998. Contact the Bothwell Office for application forms and further information. COUNCIL MEETINGS:
Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 10.00am alternating between Bothwell and Hamilton. Agendas are available from both the Hamilton or Bothwell offices 4 days prior to the meeting. Agendas and confirmed minutes can also be viewed on Councils website (www.centralhighlands.tas.gov.au)
Any items to be included on the agenda for Council meetings should be submitted, in writing, to the General Manager. All submissions need to be received to Council by the second Monday of each month. ADVERTISING:
Newspaper
Council advertise in the Derwent Valley Gazette, The Mercury, The Examiner, The Advocate, Highland Digest and Council’s website (www.centralhighlands.tas.gov.au)
Notice Boards
Notice boards containing both Council information and community information can be found at either Hamilton Council Chambers, 6 Tarleton Street, Hamilton or the Bothwell Council Chambers, 19 Alexander Street, Bothwell. Community Information Boards can be found at Queens Park, Bothwell, Hamilton Park and Miena.
