Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Acting Premier of Tasmania Jeremy Rockliff today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver Tasmania’s first City Deal for Launceston.
The Launceston City Deal will establish shared goals for Launceston and northern Tasmania, to revitalise the region’s economy.
Tasmania’s first City Deal will centre around Commonwealth and State investment in a new University of Tasmania Campus at Inveresk, and rejuvenation of the Launceston CBD.
During the 20th century, Launceston built its reputation and economy around being an industrial city. The City Deal will help Launceston open the door to industries of the 21st century in areas like advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health services, tourism and education.
The City Deal builds on the Tasmanian Government’s announcement this week of a $100 million Northern Economic Stimulus package.
While the MoU is an important milestone, delivery of City Deal projects is well underway.
The Prime Minister on Thursday launched the new University College with University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Rathjen. The University College will offer flexible courses, including associate degrees that are responsive to local industries, providing graduates with a clear path to employment.
Prime Minister Turnbull also joined Acting Premier Rockliff and City of Launceston Mayor, Albert van Zetten, to launch Stage One of the City Heart Project. This will include upgrades to Civic Square and the Brisbane Street Mall, creating a vibrant hub to attract people into Launceston’s centre.
Full NBN Wi-Fi coverage in the area will encourage students, businesses and the community to make better use of the public space.
Building on community consultation and a Commonwealth commitment of $7.5 million, the City of Launceston is working to deliver the project over the next three years.
Engagement is well underway between the Commonwealth, Tasmanian Government and the City of Launceston to implement the Launceston City Deal.
City Deals are a new approach to developing outcomes driven policy and investment for individual cities across all tiers of government, the private sector and community. They will address local challenges and maximise local advantages.
The MoU signed today provides a framework to proceed with negotiations and toward future city deals for Tasmania.