The Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Council must consider Labor’s main street, suburban and regional revitalisation strategy to help support local businesses through the COVID-19 recovery and get Tasmanians back into jobs.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said reinvigorating town centres would provide a much-needed boost for North West communities in particular as they get back to business after the extended lockdown.
“While no Tasmanian community has escaped unscathed from the pandemic, communities in the North West have felt the impact more deeply than other parts of the state – and for longer,” Ms White said.
“Labor’s COVID-19 Recovery Package is about getting people into jobs and supporting business to get them back on their feet so that everyone shares in the recovery – something that can’t happen without regional recovery. We need to buy local, build local and employ local.
“That’s why our package includes a proposal for a main street, suburban and regional revitalisation strategy, to help local businesses bounce back from the past few months of restrictions and create jobs while also providing a positive focus for our communities.
“A short-term cash injection to make our CBDs and town and suburban centres more inviting and friendly would act as a short-term stimulus program and a long-term confidence booster for retail and hospitality businesses that have been hardest hit by COVID-19.”
Labor Member for Braddon Shane Broad said the benefits of a revitalisation program for the North West are clear.
“With more outdoor café-style dining capacity, street scaping, green spaces, play equipment, and enhanced parking or access, we can create a buzz in our communities and get people excited about visiting our town centres, while also getting businesses back on their feet and promoting investment.
“Some councils already have projects lined up and this program offers a fantastic opportunity to get them underway, providing more inviting and liveable places for all Tasmanians and playing a key role in both our economic and social recovery.
“We urge the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council to seriously consider funding this program, and help us make the most of this opportunity to rebuild a better and fairer Tasmania.”
Rebecca White MP
Tasmanian Labor Leader
Shane Broad MP
Labor Member for Braddon
