What’s happening on Tassie’s North-West Coast?

Tasmania’s north west coast

Tasmania’s north west coast is on the brink of major transformation, and we see a lot of potential in these movements for both current and potential residents. Over the next decade, the region will experience a wave of economic growth, infrastructure investment, and community revitalisation designed to strengthen its liveability, attract new residents, and diversify the local economy.

Interested? You should be! Keep reading to learn about just some of these movements, especially if you’re considering relocating to somewhere along the coast (or even if you’re a current resident wondering what’s happening in your hometown).

The change is already in full swing

This investment isn’t just empty promises – we promise! Between now and 2035, several projects are commencing that will enhance how locals – as well as visitors – experience the coast.

• The Ulverstone Waterfront Master Plan will play a major role in connecting the foreshore. If you know the area, it’s specifically from the Rowing Club to the Surf Life Saving Club, with key points in the town, including the river, CBD and beaches through to parks, pathways and public spaces. The focus is on creating a world-class waterfront that celebrates natural beauty while enhancing a place to hang out.

• The Reibey Street and Penguin Streetscape revitalisations will bring new life into local small businesses (sosomething we’re pretty passionate about here at S. Group!). Think fresh streetscape upgrades, building improvements and business investment that will turn these town centres into vibrant, modern destinations for shopping and dining.
  
• Industrial expansion is also underway. What does that mean, you might be asking? Well, a lack of industrial land has been identified as a key barrier to economic growth, and as a result, the East Ulverstone precinct will be extended to create new opportunities for businesses, trades and manufacturing. In short, that means more jobs and a more inviting environment for new industries to move in to.
• Sports and tourism upgrades are coming too. The Dial Regional Sports Complex, located in Penguin, will be upgraded to AFL Tier 4 standards, and the wider Dial Range will be developed as a hub for mountain biking and adventure tourism. Pretty cool, hey?

The buzz

The Central Coast itself (that’s the Ulverstone/Penguin region) currently sits at just over 23,000 residents, but the goal is clear: to attract 3,000+ new people by 2044. With an ageing population and a median age nearly six years above the state average, the region needs to attract song fresh youngsters with a pep in their step.

Meanwhile, Devonport's population growth plan involves increasing the population to 30,000 by 2030 and 35,000 by 2040, and will be supported by initiatives like their "Living City" strategy.

Lifestyle is at the heart of this plan. The North West Coast offers something that’s increasingly rare — natural beauty, affordability, and a strong sense of community. As people look for places where they can live well and work flexibly, towns like Ulverstone, Penguin and Devonport are taking off as top choices.

Designing for the future

If you know S. Group, you know we love vision! We’re not newbies to the north-west coast, either, so we’re stoked to be seeing this level of investment in the region. And with with investment comes growth, and that’s where we are here to help.

We can see that there’s a growing demand for smarter, more flexible ways of living. From small footprint housing such as townhouses and apartments that suit downsizers, professionals and first-home buyers, to innovative and sustainable homes built for long-term value with quality, efficiency and timeless appeal. People are seeking lifestyle-driven, design-led spaces that provide comfort, space and affordability. And, you guessed it, at S.Group – we design to meet all these needs.

Keen to know more about this? You can read our blog ‘What is an S. Group home or take a look at some of our projects.

Col-lab

The growth of the north-west coast relies on collaboration between local government, developers, and the community. Council initiatives such as the Homes Faster Program, Density Incentive Grants, and Key Homes pilot will open doors for innovative, affordable and design-rich housing projects.

Tassie’s north-west coast is entering a new and defining chapter of growth marked by innovation, commitment and a renewed sense of possibility. With fresh investment pouring into public spaces, main streets, sport and industry, this region is proving that you don’t need to move away to find opportunity — you can build it right here in Tassie.

And that’s exactly where we fit in. At S. Group, we’re here to back the dreamers, doers and locals who believe the coast’s best days are ahead. Whether it’s designing smarter homes, future-ready neighbourhoods or welcoming community spaces, we’re all in on helping the North-West thrive.