Northern Tasmania local news briefing: Friday, November 13, 2026 - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Here's what's making news in northern Tasmania today.

Tasmania's peak business body has criticised top public servants' pay, with 12 executives earning more than $500,000 last year.

Some received 45 per cent rises over three years, while the state government is cutting 1,700 jobs and limiting nurses' pay rises to less than 3 per cent.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry boss Colleen Reardon called it "shocking" and called for an overhaul.

A government spokesperson said senior executives represented a very small proportion of the state service, with transparency and oversight measures in place.

The state government says it is close to signing a five-year agreement with RACT to deliver TasInsure.

TasInsure will not be a state-owned agency selling insurance policies, as promised by the premier during last year's election.

Instead, the government will work with RACT to address challenges in the insurance industry.

It signed a three-month agreement with RACT in August, with plans for a longer-term deal.

A government spokesperson said the five-year agreement would support a number of key initiatives to reduce risk and increase affordability.

The Tasmanian Greens have expressed concerns that a coal mine exploration licence in the state's north-east is up for renewal.

According to the state government's land information website, The List, HardRock Investments had held the licence for 150 square kilometres near Fingal since November 2010.

The licence expired last week and is listed as awaiting renewal.

Greens mining spokesperson Tabatha Badger said coal exploration had "no place" in Tasmania and called on the Liberal government to rule out further coal exploration or mining.

Government minister Roger Jaensch said he was not aware of an application for a licence renewal.

The Burnie City Council has released concept plans for a multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the beachfront area on its northern boundary.

The release followed the long-awaited removal of a disused rail corridor separating North Terrace from West Beach.

The council plans to upgrade playground equipment, expand lawn areas and open space, improve beach access and install a wellness plaza with fitness equipment and new public toilets.

The plans are available on the council's website, and construction is expected to begin in March.