Two years in, City Deal delivering for Launceston

Posted: 26th Aug

Two years since it was signed, a reviltalised CBD, healthier waterways, planning for the new University of Tasmania campus and scores of new jobs, show the Launcestion City Deal is delivering for Northern Tasmania.

The second annual progress report, released today, outlines the significant steps forward across all City Deal projects. It includes:

  • Brisbane St Mall redevelopment completed
  • 88 per cent jump in value of planning applications
  • 12,314 individuals assisted by the Entrepreneurship facilitator
  • $54 million additional investment in student accomodation
  • $9.7 million invested in forest product innovation projects
  • Over 100 expressions of interest in Tamar Action Grants program

The success has prompted the Federal, State and Local Governments to extend the deal from five to 10 years.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge, said securing Launceston as one of Australia’s most liveable and innovative regional cities was becoming a reality.

“We have seen growing incomes and falling levels of disadvantage, increased development applications, the creation of new industries and unprecedented public investment,” Mr Tudge said.

“Anyone who visits the CBD recently can see how it has revitalised Launceston bringing locals and visitors into the city.”

The progress follows a $55 million boost for the City Deal from the Morrison Government to support projects that have been worked up over the past two years.

This money will help establish the Defence Innovation and Design Precinct at the Australian Maritme College and provide a new community hub in the northern suburbs.

Tasmanian Minister for State Growth, Michael Ferguson, said under the Deal, the Greater Launceston Transformation project is revitalising the city by embracing new and emerging technologies.

“This suite of Smart City initiatives is creating the foundations for new innovative businesses and industries to flourish and will see Launceston lead the nation in the use of digital modelling and simulation for urban planning,” Mr Ferguson said.

“We are also progressing the largest single infrastructure investment in Launceston’s history, the revitalisation of the Inveresk precinct and new University of Tasmania campus.

“We are confident that the new campus build plan is the right one, and will maximise local employment and industry participation.”

Mayor van Zetten said he was delighted to receive a funding commitment from the Australian Government during the election campaign for the Northern Suburbs hub – a project that he believes will bring a new-found sense of community to the region and would be a key driver in addressing a number of social and health issues in the Northern Suburbs.

“Investing in the Launceston City Deal is about making our city one of Australia’s most liveable and innovative regional centres,” Cr van Zetten.

“Two years into the Launceston City Deal, what started out as a vision – to create one of the most liveable and innovative regional cities – is becoming a reality.

“The report also sets out the milestones coming up over the next 12 months, such as turning the first sod on the Inveresk redevelopment. We are looking forward to delivering the projects that will benefit Launceston and the surrounding region for decades to come.”

A copy of the second annual progress report is available at www.launcestoncitydeal.com.au.

Source: Mirage News - https://www.miragenews.com/two-years-in-city-deal-delivering-for-launceston/