A LIFETIME OF SERVICE: COUNCILLOR RICHARD GOSS RETIRES AFTER 19 YEARS OF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Posted on October 08, 2026
A LIFETIME OF SERVICE: COUNCILLOR RICHARD GOSS RETIRES AFTER 19 YEARS OF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Northern Midlands Council is recognising the significant contribution of Councillor Richard Goss, who will retire from local government at the conclusion of the current term after 19 years of dedicated service to the Northern Midlands community.
First elected to the Northern Midlands Council in 2007, Councillor Goss has been a strong advocate for regional communities, practical infrastructure improvements and responsible financial management. Serving as Deputy Mayor from 2014 to 2022, he has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and community-minded representative who has consistently focused on delivering outcomes for residents while ensuring Council remains financially sustainable.
Mayor Mary Knowles OAM said Councillor Goss's contribution over almost two decades had helped shape the municipality and improve the quality of life for communities across the Northern Midlands.
"Richard has dedicated 19 years of service to our community and has always been a practical and considered voice around the Council table. He has worked tirelessly to ensure local communities continue to receive the services, facilities and infrastructure they need to thrive."
Throughout his time on Council, Councillor Goss has championed a wide range of projects that have delivered lasting benefits for residents. He was a strong supporter of the introduction of treated water schemes to both Cressy and Ross, helping strengthen water security and support agricultural productivity and community growth. He also played an important role in advocating for economic development initiatives, including the TRANSlink Intermodal Hub project and improvements to major transport infrastructure serving the region.
Passionate about the future of Cressy, Councillor Goss has been instrumental in driving improvements to community facilities and public spaces. His support for the upgrade of the Cressy Swimming Pool change rooms and surrounding facilities has helped ensure the pool remains a valuable recreational asset for local families and visitors. He also advocated for the redevelopment of the Cressy Town Hall kitchen and meeting spaces, creating modern facilities that better support community groups, events and local gatherings.
Mayor Knowles said Councillor Goss had always understood the importance of investing in local communities.
"Richard has been a tireless advocate for Cressy and the wider Northern Midlands. He has never lost sight of the fact that strong communities are built through investment in local facilities, infrastructure and opportunities for people to connect."
Councillor Goss was also a driving force behind the establishment of the Cressy District Committee, providing a formal avenue for local residents to raise issues, contribute ideas and help shape the future of their community. His support for the Morven Park Committee and ongoing improvements to facilities at Morven Park further reflected his commitment to community participation and local sporting and recreational opportunities.
A long-time supporter of active transport initiatives, Councillor Goss was a strong advocate for the proposed shared pathway linking townships along the Midlands Highway, a project aimed at improving safety, connectivity and recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
His commitment to responsible governance extended beyond infrastructure projects. Throughout his years on Council, Councillor Goss consistently advocated for the careful management of Council finances, working to minimise rate increases wherever possible while maintaining services and essential investment in community assets.
In August this year, Councillor Goss was recognised with a Local Government Association of Tasmania Service Award acknowledging his 19 years of service to local government and the Northern Midlands community.
Mayor Knowles said his legacy would be found not in a single project but in the cumulative impact of nearly two decades of steady leadership and advocacy.
"Richard has always been focused on outcomes. Whether it was improving community facilities, supporting local organisations, strengthening infrastructure or ensuring Council remained financially responsible, he approached every issue with dedication and genuine care for the people he represented.
"On behalf of Council and the broader Northern Midlands community, I thank Richard for his outstanding service, leadership and commitment over the past 19 years and wish him every success and happiness in the future."