Nearly 100 leaders from business, industry, local government, tourism, agriculture, community organisations and all levels of government gathered in Launceston today for the Northern Tasmania Economic Summit, convened by Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
The Summit recognised that Northern Tasmania is a critical driver of the State’s economy, with significant opportunities across manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and the visitor economy, energy, health, education, transport and logistics.
The Summit informs the finalisation of a Northern Economic Plan that builds on the Tasmanian Government’s current plans and actions to support jobs, attract investment, strengthen communities, and secure the long-term prosperity of a confident Launceston and wider northern Tasmania. This includes through the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future; 100 Day Delivery reports and next 100 Day Plan; 2025 Economic Statement; and the recently released draft statewide Economic Diversification and Investment Strategy.
The Tasmanian Government highlighted the importance of collectively progressing nationally significant infrastructure projects. There is strong potential to unlock substantial economic and employment opportunities across the region, and it was agreed that the Tasmanian Government and industry would strongly advocate to the Federal Government to back in what is required to secure the Tamar Water Scheme to support farmers, industry and business in the East Tamar and further afield, and the Launceston wastewater transformation project.
Significant investments in the north already identified include the Launceston Heart Centre; upgrades to UTAS Stadium and the Silverdome; development of a Launceston Convention Centre; strategic road upgrades including the East and West Tamar highways and Kings Meadows off ramps; and investments in health, education and community infrastructure.
Participants considered the opportunities and challenges facing Northern Tasmania and provided an important focus on the region’s existing strengths while positioning it for future growth. Speakers and participants provided feedback under key pillars:
The Government will carefully consider this feedback as part of its Plan to grow private sector investment, improve productivity, address workforce challenges and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with economic growth.
The Summit recognised the importance of several major economic opportunities and challenges in the region, including the future redevelopment and revitalisation of the former Boag’s Brewery site, the future of industrial activity at Bell Bay, and the need to continue unlocking investment opportunities across the Tamar Valley and Northern Tasmania more broadly.
Developer Errol Stewart presented a proposal for a multipurpose redevelopment of the Boag’s site.
A strong events calendar is key to year-round visitation across the State. The Summit heard about the Government’s ongoing work to secure more elite sporting content for UTAS Stadium, with discussions underway with a number of sporting codes.
The Summit heard from the Premier that the Tasmanian Government has sought a fair value from the owner, Lion, after direct engagement with Kirin in Japan during a trade mission earlier this week. The Government has committed to working with Lion and the Launceston City Council to develop the site, including through the establishment of special legislation.
A number of proposals have been received following the Government’s commitment to reinvest the $1 million back into the North after it is returned by Lion. The Summit heard that the Premier would outline the economy-boosting plan for that funding in the coming weeks.
Premier Rockliff thanked participants for their contribution and commitment to Northern Tasmania’s future.
The Tasmanian Government will use input from Summit delegates to outline additional priorities, actions and opportunities under our Plan to support the continued growth of Northern Tasmania into the future.
