Help the Frog build paradise

Betrand has lived in the municipality at Bicheno for seven years and was elected to the Council in 2005. As a long-time motorcyclist, he appreciated the region's motorcycling assets of winding roads through magnificent coastal and mountain scenery and the sunny and dry east coast climate, but he quickly realised there was a potential tourism group who weren't aware of what the municipality had to offer.

"There's a large community of touring motorcyclists on the mainland who aren't aware that Tasmania has some of the best motorcycling roads in the world and it is one place where they can ride at the speed limit and still have fun," Bertrand said. "We want to make sure they travel to Tasmania and spend time in the Glamorgan Spring Bay municipality and when they go home they spread the word to other riders," he said.

Bertrand put the 'motorcycle friendly' idea to his fellow councillors in March last year. The councillors saw the benefits of encouraging motorcylists to the region and supported his proposal. Bertrand is hopeful that other east coast councils will join to form a motorcycle friendly block of councils.

The region recently played host to the HOG Tasmania rally and is looking forward to welcoming groups and individual riders to the area in the future.

But just what does 'motorcycle friendly' mean?

To ensure that the region meets riders' expectations the council is inviting motorcyclists to submit their ideas on what would make them feel that they were in a motorcycle friendly environment. There will be a prize of a three-night fully-catered accommodation package at three different locations in the municipality for the best suggestion.

Riders can submit their ideas via the email link on the municipality's website at www.gsbc.tas.gov.au or email directly to motorcycle@freycinet.tas.gov.au.

Suggestions can also be mailed to Belinda Daly, Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, PO Box 6, Triabunna Tas 7190. To be eligible for the prize suggestions should be submitted by October 31. Further information on motorcycle friendly Glamorgan Spring Bay is available at the Council's website: gsbc@tas.gov.au or by contacting Bertrand on (03) 6375 1957.