The Federal Government’s 2016 Smart Cities Plan is up and running with the first three Memorandums of Understanding signed towards the end of last year committing all tiers of government to develop collective plans for growth in regional cities.
The next step has been for each of the three showcase regions to develop a partnership plan that will deliver investment, reform and the governance required to achieve them.
The City of Launceston has voted to endorse the signing of their Launceston City Deal agreement with the state and federal governments in coming weeks.
The Launceston City Deal is a formal commitment from all parties to deliver common goals, unlock growth, improve liveability and promote economic development.
Launceston, Townsville and South-West Sydney are the three regions so far to be included in negotiations in the City Deal program.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Launceston City Deal encompassed projects like the $18m first stage of the Launceston City Heart Project and the $260m University of Tasmania new northern campus project, as well as identifying future strategic projects for the city.
“The term of the Launceston City Deal is five years, with scope for further engagement at the end of that timeframe.
“There is a major focus on job creation and investment in intergenerational infrastructure projects.
“However, the deal also includes initiatives across regulatory, environmental, social, cultural and economic spheres.
“It is, quite simply, a paradigm shift in terms of delivering an outcomes-focused strategic framework for the City of Launceston.
“The City of Launceston has been working very closely with other tiers of government to finalise the Launceston City Deal, and we look forward to further announcements in the near future.”
