Tasmania is on the cusp of a tremendous period of growth, which, if harnessed properly, could set the state up for decades to come.
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The increase in tourism numbers and business confidence has seen Tasmania shake the backwater, mendicant state label.
Several large private and public projects have added to the confidence people are feeling.
Recently confined to Hobart, that optimism has spread north to encompass both ends of the state.
Two big announcements at both ends of the island on Tuesday have further strengthened that feeling.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed funding for the University of Tasmania’s campus relocation from Newnham to Inveresk.
The $260 million project will have a $1.1 billion direct and indirect economic impact.
Despite a delay of more than six months in providing the business case to the federal government, the university expects to meet the 2021 completion date, with works planned to start by the end of the year.
The move has the potential to set up Launceston for many years to come.
The PM later signed the state’s second City Deal with Hobart, which allows the university’s proposed $400 million Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths facility for the CBD to be seriously considered.
A world-leading Antarctic precinct could be part of an expedited $2 billion redevelopment of Macquarie Point.
To those that criticise the announcements or are cynical of politicians bearing gifts, ask yourself what other states have two cities that have secured such deals.
The answer is none.
But all parties involved: federal, state and local governments and UTAS must maintain the momentum or risk losing public confidence.
It is a fragile and fleeting thing.
There is something about seeing construction come out of the ground after all the talk that really captures people’s attention.
The CH Smith site being a particularly good example of that. People complained about it rotting away and then people complained about it being developed.
Now it is coming along, the complaints have, largely, dimmed and people want to see the finished product.
Tasmania has always been a tremendous state and now it is proving to be in tremendous state. Let’s not let it slip.
