Ms Stallard, who resigned late last week, said yesterday she had originally intended to stay in the job for three years.

"I always said that I'd only stay three years, that every organisation needs fresh vision so that it's time for someone else," she said.

Ms Stallard would not elaborate on her reasons for leaving but it is also understood that she has become increasingly frustrated with the Launceston City Council administration's moves to limit the group's ability to speak out on issues.

In July this year, council aldermen rejected an arrangement that would have effectively gagged Cityprom from criticising the council.

Ms Stallard will leave Cityprom in about six weeks.

She was proud of the group's part in changing land tax policy.

"We were told it was impossible but it wasn't," she said.

She had enjoyed working with council to improve the central business district.

"We were able to reach a street trading compromise so that some goods can still be displayed on the street," she said.

But much more needed to be done.

"The CBD badly needs a facelift," Ms Stallard said.

She would like to see more trees planted and public transport enhanced.

"We have to stop treating bus passengers as second-class citizens," she said.

"The city bus interchange centre is disgraceful.

"We have to develop a precinct that is safe and pleasant and comfortable with amenities. It could house the tourist information centre as well."