North reveals growth plans

Region outlines opportunities

LAUNCESTON and northern Tasmania will become one of Australia’s most liveable regions if targets set by local councils are hit by 2031.

Those targets include bringing an extra 10,000 skilled workers to the area and increasing exports from key industries from $5.3 billion last year to $7.7 billion

A vision and targets for the economic growth and future of northern Tasmania were revealed in a report dubbed the Regional Economic Development Strategy created by the Northern Tasmanian Development Corporation ( NTDC) and released for consultation this week.

The NTDC is an agency owned by seven councils in the state’s North-East: George Town, City of Launceston, Break O’Day, West Tamar, Northern Midlands, Meander Valley and Flinders.

The organisation’s CEO, Maree Tetlow, said the strategy was a commitment of the Launceston City Deal to identify opportunities for the region’s future economic growth.

It sets out strategic priorities to improve economic outcomes for the region.

“The region has a myriad of positive attributes including our natural assets, industry specialisations, and a strong innovative and commercial history,” Ms Tetlow said.

“We want to build on our natural assets, our ingenuity and close community bonds to empower our people and build collaboration and innovation as an ongoing part of our community culture.”

The strategy set targets for the region’s economic performance in 2031 through six strategic priorities.

The draft RED Strategy is currently being considered by the City Deal Board before it can be officially released.

The State Government has reviewed the report and said it accepts it, but advised caution that the future growth scenarios are not taken too literally — but as a guide for planning.

The strategy will be supported by an implementation plan. The draft strategy can be viewed at ntdc.org.au/reds/