From our Group CEO - Rebuilding our state
The past few months have been unprecedented. We’ve transformed how we live, work and connect, and it’s been an incredibly difficult time for many Tasmanians.
Despite the challenges, we’ve learnt a lot about ourselves and our capabilities under extraordinary circumstances. We’ve taken the opportunity to come back to what’s important and we’ve supported each other through the uncertainty.
I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the essential workers who have kept Tasmania running, which includes our roadside patrol team who have been keeping our community mobile.
Thank you to the State Government and medical experts for making the decisions that have ultimately helped us flatten the curve and keep our state safe.
And of course, thank you to our members. From across the organisation, thank you for your patience and understanding. Thank you for adapting with us as we closed our branches and moved operations online. Moving around 400 staff to their homes is no easy feat, but we appreciate your support throughout the process.
We understand how difficult this time has been for many families, which is why we introduced a hardship policy to help our insurance and roadside members who needed it the most.
It is positive to see parts of our economy getting back up and running, and I encourage all of you to support our local businesses. Together we can rebuild our unique and vibrant state.
We’re excited to have reopened our branches, Driver Training and Destinations properties. Protecting our staff, members and customers remains our number one priority, which is why we have implemented a range of hygiene and safety measures.
It may look a little different the next time you visit us, but we’re here to help and we all have a responsibility to stay safe and healthy.
During this time we’ve continued to be strong advocates for Tasmanians.
The financial impacts of COVID-19 combined with the unacceptably high fuel prices have been a concern for us and the community. For years, we’ve been calling for mandatory real-time fuel price reporting.
The announcement that the government will legislate this from July 2020 was a big win for our organisation and Tasmanians. This is a key step in keeping fuel retailers accountable and driving the prices of petrol down in Tasmania.
We’ve continued to put pressure on the government to fast-track a range of infrastructure projects to improve safety and mobility, as well as boost jobs and the economy. We’re pleased to see a number of our projects fast-tracked. These include:
A park and ride service at Huntingfield;
Upgrading the Hobart Airport interchange;
Improving four sections of the West Tamar Highway north of Legana; and
Upgrading the Bass Highway, west of Wynyard.
As we go to press, we are still awaiting feedback on our request to trial ferry services on the River Derwent.
As we look to the future, we will be implementing a new five-year strategy.
Our strategy will focus on strengthening RACT’s position, investing in our organisational health and delivering more for our members. It is our goal that by 2030 we will have a valued relationship with every Tasmanian.
A new strategy marks a fresh start. And as we all begin to reshape what our everyday lives look like, now more than ever we must stick together. With support, patience and respect we can all stay safe and help Tasmania get back on its feet.