On 28 July 2009, Premier David Bartlett and Mayor Darryl Gerrity signed the second partnership agreement between the State Government and the West Coast Council, at Queenstown.

The development of this agreement has embodied many of the aspirations of the new partnerships program: a streamlined process delivering a meaningful outcome.

A broad range of issues was initially canvassed. These were carefully analysed to determine which were already covered by the statewide agreement on communication and consultation, which were better dealt with outside the partnerships process and which could most effectively be delivered through a bilateral partnership agreement.

This has produced a short, sharp agreement with deliverable outcomes.

This agreement will ensure communication and cooperation between the two spheres of Government to deliver on projects and programs that will make a difference in the lives of families on the West Coast.

The agreement will focus on important issues such as:

• tourism at Lake Margaret,
• supply of emergency health transport,
• supporting youth participation, and
• establishment of a Child and Family Services Centre in Queenstown.

Mayor Gerrity said the partnership agreement had been crafted to create fast, efficient and effective outcomes for the local community.

"We wanted the new agreement to be targeted and outcome focused."

"Also, because of the remoteness and isolation of the west coast, we wanted to improve the lines of communication with the Government in Hobart."

This agreement is being managed by Harriet Close, who can be contacted on 6232 7028 or harriet.close@dpac.tas.gov.au.