Big issues for the council in 2019 are likely to be efforts to secure the Sideling road, potentially to enable B-Double access, continued developments on the North-East rail trail, and measures to improve the region’s economy. Construction is due to begin on the revamped Scottsdale Pool, the Bridport Multifunction Centre, and the Bridport foreshore –  after a master plan for its development and conservation is delivered in the new year. The Bentley Street development in Bridport is also due for completion in April, and the $4.8 million Western Access Road between Bridport and George Town is similarly scheduled to finish at the end of 2019. 

Probably the biggest bone of contention in Dorset over the past few years has been the battle over the North-East Rail Trail, with some wanting a heritage train running from Launceston to Scottsdale, some wanting the tracks ripped up and replaced with a cycling trail, and some just wanting the matter put to bed. In 2018, the state government presented a compromise solution. It involves a heritage train running from Coldwater Creek, near Launceston, to Lilydale, to be installed in two parts. Then, there would be a cycling and walking track running from Lilydale Falls to Scottsdale. In November, the Dorset Council voted to approve the compromise solution.   

At the start of the year, it was uncertain if there would be an aged care facility in Scottsdale, after the announced closure of the Presbyterian Care Tasmania’s 32-bed centre in 2015. But in a daring arrangement worked out between the Dorset Council, the state government, and East Coast provider May Shaw Health, the centre was purchased and the facility remained open. The community itself also fundraised more than $57,000 to ensure a sustainable aged care solution for Dorset, with the money going towards a bus for residents and new equipment. 

The Northbourne Park Retirement Village also received a $1.3 million boost from the federal government, which they said in July would be used to build an additional 70 units to the village. 

In three years, the mountain bike trails at Derby have become one of Tasmania’s leading tourist attractions. After bringing the Enduro World Series to the town in 2017, the series will be making a return in 2019. Ian Harwood, race director of Enduro World Series Australia, has been singing Derby’s praises: “We are so excited to be able to bring Shimano Enduro Tasmania back to Derby,” he said. 

“Twenty-seventeen was such a roller coaster, we can not wait to make 2019 the whole theme park. Derby is continuing to grow at an astounding rate both in town and on the trails, it really is a mountain biking destination worthy of the EWS.”

This year, the $1.6 million second stage of the Blue Derby trails were opened. Designed by World Trail director Glen Jacobs, the Lake Derby trail winds its way along the bank of the Ringarooma River and includes a 63-metre suspension bridge, before crossing over to the Briseis Hole, where a purpose-built beach can be found, and fishing can be done at the lake stocked with 500 rainbow trout. 

In 2018, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack travelled to Scottsdale to announce federal government funding for a $60 million irrigation scheme for North-East farmers. With $25.27 million coming from the federal government, $20 million coming from the state government, and $12.03 million raised via water sales to farmers, the project will ensure 8600 megalitres of water is delivered to farmers in the North-East. 

About 450 megalitres will be delivered through the new irrigation system, which will also create more than 60 temporary construction jobs, and deliver a mini-hydro power station at South Springfield that would generate 623 kilowatt-hours of energy.  

The scheme is scheduled for completion at the end of 2019 after construction began about April this year. 

There was plenty to do in the North-East this year. Regular events included Scottstoberfest, the Bridport 10+ Fun Run, the Barnbougle Polo and golftournaments, the Delamere Music Festival, and Mannalargenna Day.

It was also the first year of the Tassie Scallop Fiesta, which saw 1000 seafood lovers from around Australia gather at the Village Green. A kayak ballet and bonfire were also held as part of celebrations. 

“The Tassie scallop is iconic seafood,” organiser Tony Scott told The Examiner in August.

“The fact it has been through booms and busts means it has developed a unique psyche.”

The national endurance horse ride the Tom Quilty Cup was held near Scottsdale, 

Unfortunately, the Derby River Derby did not run in 2018, due to a lack of volunteers – but the committee will continue to search for helping hands to continue the event in future. 

In good news, a new business opened in Scottsdale: the Forest EcoCentre cafe. With employment in Dorset dropping from 6.1 per cent to 4.8 per cent, the cafe was just one of many economic opportunities in 2018.