Devonport City Council says it is taking decisive steps toward a smarter, safer and more sustainable future, with three major initiatives set to deliver long-term benefits for the community, infrastructure and the environment.
At last night’s meeting, Council considered transformative projects including a proposed $1.6 million upgrade to the Devonport Aquatic Centre heating system, a major traffic safety upgrade at the Kelcey Tier Road and Mersey Main Road intersection, and the adoption of an ambitious Artificial Intelligence Strategy to modernise Council services through to 2030.
Mayor, Alison Jarman said the decisions reflected Council’s commitment to investing in infrastructure, innovation and community wellbeing.
“These projects are about future-proofing Devonport,” Mayor Jarman said.
“We are investing in smarter technology, safer roads and more sustainable infrastructure to ensure our community continues to thrive for decades to come.”
Council is supporting a major transition at the Devonport Aquatic Centre (Splash), with a proposed move away from its ageing 50-year-old gas boiler system to a cutting-edge electrified HVAC heat pump system.
It says the current gas heating system is nearing the end of its operational life and costs more than $400,000 annually in gas consumption alone.
Under the proposed upgrade, the new heat pump system will:
- Eliminate onsite gas use for pool heating
- Reduce carbon emissions by approximately 490 tonnes annually
- Cut annual operating costs from around $414,000 to approximately $100,000
- Deliver an estimated $1.5 million in savings over 10 years
- Improve reliability and reduce the risk of costly outages
Mayor Jarman said the proposal represented a significant environmental and financial win for the City.
“This is a game-changing investment for one of Devonport’s most important community facilities,” she said.
“Not only will it dramatically reduce emissions and operating costs, but it also secures the long-term sustainability and reliability of Splash for our community.”
The project remains subject to Council negotiating a favourable operating cost-sharing arrangement with the facility’s commercial operator.
Council also approved the awarding of the contract for the new Kelcey Tier Road and Mersey Main Road traffic signals project, aimed at improving safety and traffic flow at one of Devonport’s increasingly busy intersections.
Subject to final Federal Government funding confirmation, the contract will be awarded to Treloar Civil & Quarries Pty Ltd for $1.46 million.
Funded through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, the project responds to growing traffic volumes associated with expanding industrial and rural residential development along Kelcey Tier Road.
The upgrade will include:
- New traffic signals synchronised with the nearby railway crossing
- Road widening and turning lanes for heavy vehicles
- New median infrastructure
- Stormwater, driveway and footpath improvements
- Utility relocations and upgraded road infrastructure
Mayor Jarman said the project would significantly improve safety for motorists and freight operators.
“This is a critical infrastructure investment that will improve traffic efficiency and reduce crash risks at a key transport corridor for Devonport,” she said.
“As our City grows, it’s essential our road network keeps pace with increasing traffic demands.”
The total revised project value is approximately $1.98 million, with additional funding support already endorsed by the State Government and awaiting final Federal approval.
In another forward-looking move, Council adopted its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030, alongside a supporting AI Policy and AI Ethics Principles framework.
The Strategy positions Devonport City Council among the emerging leaders in local government innovation, establishing a carefully governed roadmap for how AI can improve services, support decision-making and enhance organisational capability.
The Strategy focuses on:
- Improving customer service and accessibility
- Reducing administrative burden for staff
- Enhancing evidence-based decision-making
- Strengthening transparency, consistency and efficiency
Importantly, the Strategy places strong emphasis on ethical governance, human oversight, privacy protection and community trust.
Mayor Jarman said the Strategy was about preparing Council for the future while ensuring technology remains accountable and community-focused.
“Artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities for local government when implemented responsibly,” she said.
“This Strategy ensures Devonport can embrace innovation confidently, while maintaining strong governance, transparency and public trust.”
The AI Strategy will be rolled out progressively over four years, focusing on governance, workforce capability and practical service improvements.
Mayor Jarman said all three initiatives demonstrated Council’s commitment to delivering practical outcomes with long-term community value.
“These are bold decisions that reflect our vision for a modern, sustainable and connected Devonport,” she said.
“We’re building infrastructure that is smarter, safer and ready for the future.”
