Brighton continues to be positioned as one of Tasmania’s most exciting growth areas, and recent announcements regarding housing and development show that our community is well-positioned for the future.

The agreement between the Australian and Tasmanian governments under the First Home Buyers program is a significant milestone for Brighton and a major win for our municipality. This partnership will help unlock enabling infrastructure to support around 800 future homes in the Bridgewater West precinct, creating new opportunities for families, workers and first home buyers.

Brighton has increasingly become Tasmania’s first home buyers capital, and Council is determined to ensure that growth is carefully planned, sustainable and focused on creating connected communities where people can live, work and thrive.

The recent approval of the Boyer Road Precinct Structure Plan is another major step forward. The precinct will eventually deliver around 400 new homes in a well-connected area close to industry, transport routes and essential infrastructure.

Importantly, these projects are not only about housing — they are also about jobs and economic opportunity. Large-scale developments such as Bridgewater West and the approved Boyer Road precinct provide long-term certainty for local builders, tradespeople, apprentices and businesses. That certainty allows industry to invest in skills, employment and the workforce needed for the future.

Council has worked closely with the Tasmanian Planning Commission, the Australian Government and key infrastructure partners to ensure these developments are supported by the right planning frameworks and infrastructure investment. These partnerships are critical to delivering positive outcomes for our community.

The new Bridgewater Bridge has already transformed the way people move across our municipality, and now we are ensuring that major infrastructure investment translates into real benefits for local residents — including more housing, more jobs and stronger communities.

Council also understands that affordability remains a challenge for many people looking to enter the housing market. That is why we recently introduced our First Home Builders Rates Holiday initiative, which is already receiving strong interest from local residents. It is one practical way Council can support people taking the important step into home ownership.

Brighton’s growth is not happening by chance. It is the result of planning ahead, working collaboratively and making decisions that support the long-term future of our community.

As Mayor, I remain incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead for Brighton. Together, we are building a municipality where people can create opportunities, raise families and feel proud to call home.

Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray