My Place, My Future to Kickstart Northern Launceston

A community hub that will connect Launceston’s northern suburbs will be a key feature of the My Place My Future plan.

The hub will include a number of sporting facilities, offices for community organisations and provide pathways for employment and recreational opportunities for young people.

The Plan – launched today as part of the Launceston City Deal – will also plough investment into suburbs including Invermay, Mowbray, Newnham, Mayfield, Rocherlea, Ravenswood and Waverley, which account for almost a third of Launceston’s population.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said My Place My Future would be an ongoing commitment from all three levels of Government.

“Thanks to the hard work of local member Bridget Archer, $15 million of federal funding was secured during the election campaign to go towards this integrated plan,” Mr Tudge.

“This will be a game-changer for young people in this area and provide them with essential services to make sure they thrive.”

Tasmanian Minister for State Growth, Michael Ferguson said My Place My Future would create a thriving community in the northern suburbs of Launceston.

“This plan involves all three levels of government working together with the community to revitalise Launceston’s northern suburbs, increase inclusion and connectedness and provide equitable access to services and programs,” Mr Ferguson said.

City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the commitment to invest in these suburbs will not only strengthen them, but will have a lasting effect on the prosperity of greater Launceston.

“We want to support economic and employment growth in the Northern Suburbs, and assist the residents of those communities through improved lifestyle, social and economic outcomes,” Mayor van Zetten said.

Federal member for Bass Bridget Archer said she was delighted to have secured $15 million for the project.

“During the campaign I made a personal representation to the Prime Minister about the importance of this community hub and the impact it would have on the northern suburbs,” Ms Archer said.

“The hub will consolidate a number of community services and provide a fantastic space for sporting and recreational activities – facilities which are currently lacking in this area.”

The Plan identified six strategic action areas to achieve real change:

  • Enterprise growth
  • Employment and wages growth
  • The celebration of community strengths
  • Liveability
  • Strengthening the next generation, and
  • Improved access

Today’s launch at RANT Arts in Invermay coincides with the opening of a unique photographic exhibition showcasing the people who live, work and play in the Northern Suburbs.

The exhibition features more than 80 photos by photographer Chris Crerar and represents the core focus of the Plan: “Celebrating the strengths of the communities as we look to the future”.

“The exhibition features a series of photographs that were taken throughout the Northern Suburbs, capturing the vibrancy, pride, and uniqueness that make up these communities,” Mayor van Zetten said.

Following the adoption of the Plan by Council at last week’s ordinary meeting, an implementation process will be coordinated by the City of Launceston, in collaboration with state and federal stakeholders.

This process will include further community engagement to ensure it continues to align with their aspirations.

The Council will hold a community celebration to commemorate the plan’s adoption in the coming weeks.

The photographic exhibition will be on display at RANT Arts from August 27 through to September 19. The public is invited to view the collection on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.

/Public Release. View in full here.