The Tasmanian Way – a small island taking charge

Tasmania is an island of many strengths: more than 90% of energy is generated from renewables, 45% plus of its terrestrial area is protected and there is an abundance of clean water, fresh air and fertile soils. Tasmania is an island state in a larger developed economy. An island small enough to manage but big enough to matter.

Across sectors, there is also the desire to see greater vision and goal setting which has given rise to an emerging partnership - the Tasmanian Way. The Tasmanian Way brings together thought leaders, champions of change and decision-makers committed to co-design the long-term plan and actions to build a resilient, connected and vibrant future for Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Way will help accelerate action by convening solution hubs around complex challenges, initially on food and waste systems, to housing, literacy, energy and future thinking. 

In August 2019, the Tasmanian Way will host its first solution hub in collaboration with Eat Well Tasmania and the Local Government Association of Tasmania. The forum will focus on food and waste systems. It will bring together champions of change to identify existing solutions, who is behind them and preliminary priorities to inform the 2030 plans and its goals.

The Tasmanian Way uses a collective impact approach to articulate Tasmania’s response to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and draws from the UN Local 2030 hub examples including the Aloha+ Challenge and Hawaii Green Growth as well as the Global Island Partnership. The Tasmanian Way provides a platform to strengthen Tasmania’s brand by positioning Tasmania as a global leader committed to implementation of the SDGs.

“There is a great opportunity to begin a process of thinking about how to shape Tasmania’s long-term future and in so doing, share Tasmania’s journey with other island communities from around the world - learning from their experiences and serving as a beacon for others facing similar challenges.” Saul Eslake, Economist, Tasmanian Way Consultation 20 Sept 2018.

“There are hurdles to overcome, but this is far outweighed by the opportunity of tapping into our creative and vibrant communities to shape our future,” said Jessica Robbins the Coordinator of the Tasmanian Way. “The global race is on to shift to a more sustainable way of operating. Our island home at the edge of the world can be the leading edge of sustainability.”