Key facts
- Number of participants
- 17 leadership team members
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Cost per head
- Less than $300
- Venue
- FermentHQ, Legana, Tasmania
- Budgeted through
- 2026-27 Annual Plan training and development programs
- Labour cost increase
- 5.8% to $61.9 million
Background
The City of Launceston Council took 17 members of its leadership team to a six-hour training session at FermentHQ, a fermentation hub for producers, chefs and researchers in Legana, Tasmania. The council did not confirm the total cost but said the session cost less than $300 per head.
FermentHQ offers food-based events such as cheese tasting and making your own gin or sourdough. Event prices at the site range from $80 on the low end to more than $600 per head.
The training day was budgeted through the council's training and development programs in its 2026-27 Annual Plan. According to the Annual Plan and budget papers, employee training and professional development are budgeted through labour.
Current situation
A council spokesperson defended the training day, saying the council needed to invest in its workers and thought it was important to invest that money locally, instead of a 'traditional conference-style approach'.
The spokesperson said: 'FermentHQ provides world-class training facilities within our own community and offered an opportunity to support a local business while also providing participants with exposure to the innovation and entrepreneurship occurring within Launceston.'
The training day follows the decision to raise residential rates by an average of $89 per ratepayer. In the 2026-27 budget, labour costs were expected to hit $61.9 million, up 5.8 per cent over the year prior.
| Price range | Examples |
|---|---|
| $80 (low end) | Food-based events |
| More than $600 per head | Premium events |
Impacts
The council spokesperson said the organisation needed to invest in its people. 'Developing high-performing organisations requires investment in both people and culture,' the spokesperson said.
The leadership day was designed to improve collaboration, trust, communication and leadership effectiveness within the leadership team, which the spokesperson said would lead to improved organisational performance.
The spokesperson added: 'The investment is modest when considered against the objective of building a highly capable leadership team responsible for delivering services and major projects for the people of Launceston.'
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The council spokesperson said the council remains committed to measuring the value of the programs against benefits. If the training proves effective, it could lead to improved organisational performance and better service delivery for residents.
However, if the value is not demonstrated, the council may face criticism given the context of rate rises and increased labour costs. The council may also consider alternative training approaches in the future.
The outcome of the training day may become clearer in the coming months as the council evaluates its impact on leadership effectiveness and organisational performance.
Source: examiner.com.au
