While most indicators clearly show that Tasmania’s economy is growing at an impressive rate, the fact we have lost almost 4000 jobs since September 2015, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, is perplexing.

While our jobless rate fell marginally from 6.7 per cent in March to 6.6 per cent in April in trend terms, the actual number of people in work fell 200 thanks to a fall in the participation rate, which fell to just 59.9 per cent.

On face value, calls for a minister of employment seem logical, but one has to wonder if that’s at all needed. Surely all ministers across every portfolio in government are charged with growing their respective areas. It just seems unnecessary.

Instead, there needs to be a bipartisan approach to growing our jobs market, including improving retention rates at school and finding ways to re-skill workers moving out of industries on the decline so they are appropriately educated for the jobs of tomorrow. It’s no secret that our youth unemployment is far too high. One in six Tasmanians aged between 15 and 24 are without a job. That’s a tragedy.

From a Northern Tasmanian perspective, a region with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, projects such as the University of Tasmania redevelopment are even more important than ever.

The promise of an expected 3000 jobs during the construction phase of the $300 million project will invigorate and rejuvenate Northern Tasmania’s economy.

The spin-offs for eateries, accommodation, and the building sector in general will be enormous. Business will boom like no development the region has seen for decades – if ever. The economic benefits of this project make a mockery of critics who claim the Launceston City Council  is gifting valuable land to the university for free. What the city and region will receive in return for a parcel of land no one wants will be felt for a generation.

Likewise, Errol Stewart’s silos project – a $16 million, 79-room hotel project to be built on North Bank – could very well prove the catalyst for a total rejuvenation of that area, which in turn will help boost the economy and our employment levels.

For Northern Tasmania to realise its full potential, these projects should be supported by the entire community.