Business, community and political leaders have gathered in Launceston to map out a way forward for northern Tasmania’s economy, after a run of closures and departures.
The region has taken several hits in recent months, including Lion’s closure of the James Boag’s Brewery, Channel 7’s move to Hobart and Hawthorn’s planned departure from Launceston.
There is also uncertainty around Liberty Bell Bay and Bell Bay Aluminium.
Labor brought business, community and union representatives together in Launceston on Monday for an economic forum for the north, as part of a shadow cabinet visit to the seat of Bass.
Labor leader Josh Willie said people in the north wanted “leadership and an economic vision for the north”, built on the state’s competitive strengths.
“What people want to see here in the north is leadership … and that when we attract industries here we make it easy and we keep them here to create opportunities,” he said.
Willie said the forum was “the start of a conversation” and that the state government should act as a facilitator.
The state government will host its own economic summit for the north on July 15.
Minister Jo Palmer said the region was “a thriving part” of the state.
“We have taken a few hits, especially with what’s happened with Boag’s,” she said.
“So it’s really exciting and we’re very focused on the summit that we’ll be hosting next week.”
Launceston Chamber of Commerce chief executive Alina Bain said businesses welcomed the conversations but wanted action.
She said the north needed an evidence-based strategic plan, bipartisan support and all three levels of government working together.
“We need both sides of parliament coming together, but importantly, we need all three levels of government working together,” she said.
“I am feeling optimistic about the future … there are more opportunities coming into our region than leaving,” she said.
