Tasmanian Labor Leader Dean Winter has promised to establish night-time economy zones across the state if elected, starting with plans to further transform Salamanca into an after-dark destination.
The announcement comes as part of Labor’s strategy to stem the flow of young Tasmanians leaving for mainland Australia.
“Salamanca’s markets are iconic in the day time. I see an opportunity to make the precinct iconic in the night time too,” Winter said.
The plan would override local council regulations that have restricted businesses from serving customers after hours and hosting outdoor live music events.
Key elements of Labor’s nightlife revival strategy include protecting existing venues from noise complaints, offering liquor licence fee rebates for venues promoting live entertainment and modernising Tasmania’s 35-year-old Liquor Licensing Act.
They also want to work with transport providers to enhance affordable late-night transport options, along with encouraging family-friendly options like twilight markets, outdoor cinemas, and expanded non-alcoholic drink offerings.
“We need to help young people see a future here and make them want to stay,” Winter said.
“Our plan is for more housing, well-paid jobs and a night life that is thriving.”
19-year-old university student Amelia Meyers, who is running for Labor as a candidate in Franklin, said going out “isn’t really a big thing” for a lot of her peers anymore.
“A lot of us do end up drinking with our friends in the uni accommodation just because it’s a bit cheaper and a bit easier,” she said.
“But also there hasn’t been as much going on in town and especially in Salamanca as we’ve been doing it.”
Dean Winter said too many Tasmanians are leaving for the mainland after 11-years of a Liberal government, a claim Premier Jeremy Rockliff dismissed as “dishonest”.
“We have grown our population over the course of the last 10 years significantly. We are ahead of our projected targets when it comes to population growth,” Rockliff said.
The Premier defended his government’s approach to nightlife and hospitality, saying they had been “working alongside the Hospitality Association on a range of measures” to free up red tape before Dean Winter “decided to force an election”.
“Our focus is to ensure that young Tasmanians truly appreciate that this is a great state to live, to work, and to raise a family.”
