As a young professional woman who has lived and worked on the mainland and overseas I know that Bass offers a lifestyle second to none. Undeniably though, NE Tasmania is facing some challenges with negative population growth, unemployment and an aging population.
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These demographic challenges need to be addressed by understanding where our high levels of unemployment are and thinking strategically about job creation that is fuelled by the private sector rather than subsidised by the public purse. NE Tasmania does have high levels of unemployment but we also have demand for people with tertiary qualifications, a constant need for those with skills in trade as well as experience in areas such as agriculture.
Last week, the Tasmanian Greens announced our policy to attract and retain young professionals to the region. This policy builds on the evocity concept already trialled successfully in regional towns in NSW. With state government backing, local Councils united to develop the necessary public infrastructure to retain young professionals in their region as well as running campaigns highlighting their cities attributes to attract more young professionals to the region.
NE Tasmania boasts natural resources second to none. Attracting and retaining professionals to the region will generate further employment in other areas such real estate, restaurants, trade and agriculture. We have a vibrant cultural community and stunning heritage. Rather than wasting public money on pulp mills and a forestry industry politicians should be investing energy and money in the necessary infrastructure, schools and healthcare to attract and retain people here.
