Four years in and the City Deal is changing the face and fortunes of Launceston.
The $453.4 million Launceston City Deal has boosted the economy and provided local jobs across the community.
The region has seen unprecedented public investment, encouraging higher levels of development applications and creating industries Launceston needs to sustain its population and continue to thrive.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Deal had consistently delivered across the region in that time.
“All you need to do is walk around this great city and see the impact the City Deal has had,” Mr Tudge said.
“The CBD has been revitalised, construction is underway on the new UTAS buildings and we’re seeing people who lost their jobs during COVID being re-employed.
“The UTAS project will create around 430 jobs during construction – 20 per cent will be apprentices and trainees – and around 230 ongoing jobs providing a much needed economic boost as the region begins to recover from the pandemic.”
“Launceston is boosting its reputation as one of Australia’s most liveable and innovative regional cities.”
Tasmanian Minister for State Growth Michael Ferguson said Launceston residents are embracing new projects and technology created through the Deal.
“The City Heart project focused on revitalising Launceston’s Civic Square and Brisbane Street Mall, which have been completed, and is now developing Wi-Fi infrastructure and improving signage and public transport,” Mr Ferguson said.
“The economic output of the City Heart project has resulted in an estimated 142 jobs in the building and construction sector.
“Investment in new technologies is transforming the way city planning is done, creating efficiencies and delivering improved urban services, and producing better outcomes for residents.”
Mayor of the City of Launceston Albert van Zetten said he looks forward to seeing what the future holds for the region as the City Deal progresses.
“What started out as a vision to create one of the most liveable and innovative regional cities is fast becoming a reality,” Cr Van Zetten said.
“The Deal is delivering commitments that will revitalise the city, improve access to education and employment opportunities, and stimulate the economic growth.”
Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the city deal had shown Tasmania and the rest of Australia what was possible.
“The commitments made through the city deal have changed the face of Launceston forever,” Ms Archer said.
“From these commitments local industries and businesses will have the confidence to make future investments in Launceston, and the region.”
Achievements under the Deal to date include:
- Revitalising Launceston’s CBD though the City Heart project, with the Brisbane Street Mall and Civic Square projects now completed.
- The first projects under the Greater Launceston Transformation Project are also complete, including a digital twin of the city.
- The first River Health Action Plan commitments are underway, with 38kms of fencing constructed to stop grazing stock from entering the Tamar’s catchment .
- Increasing employment opportunities in the construction industry though the commencement of the Launceston Apprenticeship Pipeline Project.
- The release of the My Place My Future Plan which outlines plans to revitalise Launceston’s northern suburbs.
- The UTAS campus relocation, which is the centrepiece of the Deal, is well underway, with Vos Construction awarded the first major construction contract of the works.
