A new agreement will create significant opportunities for jobs and business growth in the north of the state.
Key maritime industry operators Southern Marine Shiplift Pty Ltd (SMS) and Haywards will partner with TasPorts to conduct a feasibility study into the potential relocation and expansion of the SMS facility in Launceston to Bell Bay, as well as the possible development of a consolidated Marine Maintenance Hub in Bell Bay.
Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding said Launceston already has a unique grouping of people with specialist engineering skills and the study had the potential to result in an expansion of the industry in the Tamar Valley region.
“Launceston already has many residents with the unique skills needed to work in the sector, and this study has the potential to set the region up as a central hub across Australia for the marine engineering industry,” Mr Hidding said.
“It would allow businesses such as SMS and Haywards the opportunity to expand and grow, and recommendations from the study are expected to be delivered to the partnering companies this financial year.”
Treasurer Peter Gutwein said the agreement had the potential to result in a boom for jobs and business growth in the region.
“The relocation and expansion of SMS and the development of a consolidated Marine Maintenance Hub in Bell Bay would be a great result for the region,” Mr Gutwein said.
“It would result in more money going into the local economy, more opportunities for business growth and expansion, and most importantly more jobs for Tasmanians.”