Northern Tasmania local news briefing: Tuesday, October 13, 2026Produced by Sandy PowellABC Northern TasmaniaTopic:Regional CommunitiesPosted Tue 13 Oct 2026 at 8:47amTue 13 Oct 2026 at 8:47amTue 13 Oct 2026 at 8:47amHere's what's making news in northern Tasmania today.Bass Strait salmon expansion soughtA company researching aquaculture in Bass Strait has applied to add 55,000 salmon to its pen and begin farming seaweed.After a year-long trial, the cooperative research company Blue Economy harvested 15,000 salmon from its Bass Strait pen last month.The company hailed the first year as a success despite one instance of a mild virus, a warm stretch and a seal breach.It is also breeding 15,000 kingfish fingerlings on land, which will go into the Bass Strait pen later this year.The national environment protection agency is assessing the salmon and seaweed application.The research site will be decommissioned in 2028.Devonport City Council posts $6.7m surplusDevonport City Council says its annual report shows it is in a stronger financial position than expected.The report showed the council recorded $61.2 million in income and a $6.7 million surplus.It attributed the result to higher user fees, upfront payments of grants and investments, and lower staffing costs.Chief executive Matthew Atkins said the council fast-tracked debt repayment by repaying a $5 million loan.He said that had contributed to a $17 million improvement in debt over the past decade.Elphin Sports Centre upgrade plannedUpgrades to Launceston's Elphin Sports Centre will focus on improved accessibility, with construction expected to start later this year.The state government is investing $4.7 million to fund two new accessible toilets and showers, an accessible ramp, and upgrades to the foyer entry and car park.Centre manager Ben Tyson said the works would help create a more inclusive space for all.He said it was presently difficult for people in wheelchairs to move from one building to another because of the age of the site.Fire service warns against complacencyThe Tasmania Fire Service says people should not be complacent because of cooler weather and rain in some parts of the state, with elevated fire danger forecast today and later this week.It said the East Coast was of particular concern because it had been especially dry.A high fire danger rating is in place for the North East, East Coast, Midlands, South East, Central North and Furneaux Islands.The fire service said strong winds were continuing to create conditions that could support fast-moving fires and urged Tasmanians to have a bushfire plan.