The change of direction was inspired by recommendations made in a report undertaken by Bill Fox and Associates, which outlined the need for an overhaul, including the appointment of a skills-based board, an independent chair, additional funding, and greater private sector involvement for the current economic development organisation Northern Tasmania Development (NTD).

At the meeting it was agreed that NTD would be wound-up by December 31 and a new company, known as Northern Tasmania Development Corporation Limited (NTDC), would be established from January 1, 2017. 

Launceston mayor and meeting chair Albert van Zetten said the next step was recruitment of an independent chair which would commence in October. It’s expected the appointment would be announced by mid-November.

“This will be followed by the recruitment and appointment of six skills-based board directors by the end of December,” he said.

“If all goes according to the time frames proposed, it is hoped the recruitment of a new CEO for NTDC will take place in early 2017.”

Alderman van Zetten said NTDC would be a valuable asset for Northern Tasmania and would play a critical role in coordinating and progressing activities and projects that would lead to growing the region’s economic prosperity. 

“The new governance model will ensure the region’s priorities are determined though consultation and participation of the region’s leaders in the private and community sector, not just local government,” he said. 

Maree Tetlow from NTD said there had been a significant amount of work undertaken with each council to reach Friday’s agreement.

“You have to work with each council so they understand what the model is and then be able to consider it from their local government perspective,” she said.

The Meander Valley Council are yet to formalise their position but Ms Tetlow said they intend to do that by November. 

Other councils involved include the City of Launceston, West Tamar, Northern Midlands, George Town, Break O’Day and Flinders.

Dorset council is not a member of NTD.