20 April 2017

Peter Gutwein, Treasurer

City deal will deliver jobs for the North

The City Deal for Launceston signed today will deliver jobs and economic growth for the North and a brighter future for Launceston.

The City Deal will underpin $280 million of investment in the North, which will create hundreds of jobs.

The centrepiece of the Deal is the new University of Tasmania campus at Inveresk, which will be a game-changer for the North.  This is the largest single infrastructure investment in Launceston’s history. It is projected to create 2,760 new jobs, including 430 new direct jobs during construction and deliver opportunities for thousands of Tasmanians to get the qualifications and skills they need for a fulfilling career in Tasmania.  This project itself will transform the North.

The City Deal also delivers on the commitment for the State, Federal and Local Government to fund the Launceston City Heart project. City Heart will revitalise the Launceston CBD, improving public spaces, transport and signage and helping to attract more people to live in our wonderful city.

But the City Deal is much more than that and includes a number of projects that will provide a massive boost for Launceston and the North.  As part of the Deal:

• a Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce will oversee the development of a River Health Action Plan this year, investigate and determine the preferred solution and funding options for upgrading Launceston’s combined sewerage and stormwater system. $2 million will be made available immediately to support the TEMT and invest into projects that will reduce pollution in the Tamar Estuary;
• the Hodgman Government will work with the Federal Government to develop a new army cadet facility in Launceston’s northern suburbs to help younger members of our community develop resilience and leadership skills;
• a regional economic development strategy will be developed this year and finalised in 2018, with the aim of identifying the next wave of economic opportunities for the North to compliment the City Heart project and the Inveresk university campus development;
• investors and developers will be encouraged to redevelop buildings in the Launceston CBD to create new housing and accommodation options;
• a cultural study will be completed this year to enrich local culture, activities and events, promoting Launceston as a year-round visitor destination; and
• a $4 million Launceston hub of the National Institute of Forest Products Innovation will be established this year to develop innovative ideas in areas like forest management and advanced manufacturing.

The City Deal signed today is a long-term Plan that will deliver significant benefits for the region that will shape not just the future of Launceston, but also the North of the State.

More information about the City Deal is available here - https://cities.dpmc.gov.au/launceston-city-deal

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