The Tasmanian Government has announced a stimulus package available to local government areas in the State’s North.
The Northern Economic Stimulus Package includes up to $60 million worth of loans to councils who bring forward planned projects.
Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman said the plan aims to address the State’s two-speed economy and help the North perform on par with the South.
“These are initiatives which will drive the Northern and North Western economies, and ensure the whole State benefits from Tasmania’s economic recovery,” he said.
City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the package is an “exciting opportunity” for Northern Tasmanian councils and it could allow the Council to undertake two public space redevelopments.
“We believe the redevelopments planned for the Launceston City Heart Project will benefit both business owners and residents long into the future,” said the Mayor.
“We are also keen to work with other councils on how we may be able to collaborate to combine our resources in the delivery of programs of benefit to the entire region.”
It is estimated that the Northern Economic Stimulus Package will support over 800 jobs and stimulate $100 million in additional State and Local Government infrastructure, as well as $100 million in private sector investment over 2016/17 and 2017/18.
