The Liberal Government is committed to helping Tasmanian businesses create jobs and grow the economy.
Since the election in March we have sent a clear message that Tasmania is now open for business, after a disastrous last four years where an anti-jobs Labor-Green minority government destroyed business confidence.
Today, I addressed an economic development forum of southern Tasmanian councils, hosted by Regional Development Australia and Think South.
The forum was aimed at developing collaborative approaches to state growth.
There is a clear understanding between state and local government that we all need to work together at this critical time for our economy.
Commonwealth, state and local government each have a role to play in creating the right conditions for economic investment in our state.
There are a number of examples of local and state government working together to support major projects in the state, such as the Brighton Transport Hub and the proposed Solis Development at Orford.
There are now positive signs for our economy after years of Tasmania lagging behind the rest of the country under the Labor-Green Government.
More than 2,000 jobs have been created since the election of the Liberal Government in March, while June building approval figures show approvals are up 37 per cent from 12 months ago.
The Liberal Government is establishing a new high-powered position of Coordinator General, who will play a key role in attracting and facilitating major projects.
We have also launched a national and international call for ideas to develop new world-class infrastructure and broaden the range of exciting and unique experiences on offer in our World Heritage Area and National Parks.
Councils are supportive of the Liberal Government's commitment to aggressively market Tasmania and pursue new investment opportunities.