The Launceston Chamber of Commerce supports the following Regional Priority Projects. Many of these projects were identified by the Regional Collaborative Framework (RCF). The RCF, originally an idea of the Chamber’s has been brought to fruition by the Northern Tasmania Development Corporation.
Northern TRANSlink
The Northern TRANSlink is proposed for Western Junction adjacent to the Launceston Airport. The TRANSlink development would be an intermodal facility which would improve access to interstate and overseas markets for perishable goods. Our quality fresh produce and perishable goods are already in high demand and with Launceston’s recent designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy the demand for quality products from northern Tasmania will increase. It is noted that this project has received a commitment from Labor.
City Mission Precinct
City Mission have a vision to create a new community of health and social care organisation working in collaboration. The development of a new shared working space utilises design concepts to promote collaboration and innovation. The development will form an integral part of the health and community services precinct for Northern Tasmania, creating a space where people from all parts of the region can feel welcome, cared for and access a range of services they require, including a free health care clinic for Emergency Relief and Safe Space users in the region.
Creative Cities: Gastronomy
With Launceston and Northern Tasmania’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the potential for food and beverage in the region is significant. The Tasmanian Agrifood Network’s intention for gaining the UNESCO status is to de-silo our food system in collaboration with other leading cities around the world and use a creative lens to realise innovative solutions to stubborn problems of social and environmental sustainability, while building capacity in our local food sector businesses to create jobs.
City Heart Stage 2
A key aspect of our vision for Launceston to be one of the great regional cities of the world is for a vibrant central business district that is the premier business, retail and lifestyle hub of the region. Stage Heart Stage 1 was jointly funded by the Australian Government, the Tasmanian Government, and the City of Launceston and refurbished three of Launceston’s major public spaces (the Quadrant Mall, Brisbane Street Mall and Civic Square). Stage two will see the redevelopment of St John Street and Paterson Street to increase connectivity between the three refurbished public spaces and will add street furniture, lighting, greenery and opportunities for public art. This will be wonderful for the CBD and would make a brilliant starting point for Greening Launceston. City Heart Stage 2 has received a funding commitment from the City of Launceston and the Tasmanian Government but is yet to receive a Federal Commitment.
QVMAG Redevelopment
Another project identified in NTDC’s Regional Priority Projects report is the redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery’s Wellington Street Campus (QVMAG) by the City of Launceston. The redevelopment would see an expansion to the current building, which would allow for a larger exhibition space, onsite parking, and a new rooftop dining facility, which would take in views of the Cataract Gorge. This development would allow QVMAG to develop new, modern programs and exhibition offerings, encouraging repeat visitation by locals and visitors. The redevelopment would be completed in 2025, is expected to attract an additional 110,000 visitors a year, which would deliver $140 million into the local economy annually. The redevelopment would require $70 million in federal funding.
Kanamaluka Cultural Centre
The Launceston Chamber of Commerce believes that Launceston needs a convention centre. Currently, we don’t have a convention centre large enough to accommodate attendee numbers greater than 500. While the Princess Theatre could accommodate larger numbers in theatre style, many conferences require a venue that offers enough flexibility to accommodate attendees in theatre style during the day, and banquet style in the evening. Even in pre-covid times Launceston could only accommodate a dinner for up to 430. Launceston is losing conference business to Hobart and Devonport and its well established that cities that offer a good conference experience for attendees attract return visitors.
Support for achieving the vision for the Tamar
Exciting possibilities for connectivity around the banks of the upper Tamar and North Esk are emerging from the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce, include new walkways, riverbank revegetation and wetland reclamation to increase the tidal prism of the North Esk. We would hope the federal contenders for Bass would get behind this vision.