Today the Government is launching a significant stimulus package to create jobs and boost the Northern economy.
The Premier, Will Hodgman, said that this was part of the Government’s plan to build on the economic momentum in Tasmania.
“Tasmania’s economy is growing at the third fastest rate in the nation. There are now 236,600 people in work, up 1600 since the election, and our retail and exports sectors are the strongest in the nation,” he said.
“But we know there is still a long way to go, and we understand there is a two-speed economy with the South out-performing the North and North West.
“The Tasmanian Government has been working with the Commonwealth, Local Government and the business community on ways to accelerate job creating projects in the North and North West.
“These are initiatives which will drive the Northern and North Western economies, and ensure the whole State benefits from Tasmania’s economic recovery,” Premier Hodgman said.
Treasurer Peter Gutwein said that the Stimulus Package would be rolled out immediately.
“The Stimulus Package will help boost the Northern economy for the next two years and will fill the gap until the UTas redevelopment at Inveresk gets under way,” he said.
“The Northern Economic Stimulus Package will support in excess of 800 direct and indirect jobs and support $100 million in additional State and Local Government infrastructure, as well as $100 million in private sector investment over 2016-17 and 2017-18.
“These are targeted measures that will not only create jobs immediately, but will leave a legacy of improved infrastructure for our schools, in our northern regions and across industries like civil construction and tourism.
“The major component is a $60 million partnership with councils on the North and North West to bring forward significant infrastructure investments. This is an innovative trial project and if successful, the Government will consider rolling it out around the State,” Mr Gutwein said.
For more information visit www.premier.tas.gov.au