SIXTY of Tasmania's most influential community, local government and business leaders converged on Launceston to discuss regional competitiveness yesterday. The round table discussion focused on economic challenges and opportunities facing the city and state. It was led by the Regional Australia Institute and Business Council of Australia. The event followed similar meetings in Port Hedland, Townsville, Wollongong and Geelong. A clear message to come from the meeting was the need for Tasmania to brand itself better. "We must find a better narrative for the region," RAI chief executive Su McCluskey said. "There is a huge amount of potential in Launceston and in Tasmania more broadly, and at the moment we're not necessarily tapping into that." BCA chief executive Maria Tarrant said organisations throughout the region needed to improve co- ordination and co-operation to become more competitive. "Regional groups, local government groups and small business groups need to share information and have a firm, united strategy," she said. The 60 participants also discussed curbing Tasmania's high unemployment, low workforce participation and welfare dependency. "At the moment we don't have a good understanding of our current skills and how best to use them," Ms McCluskey said. "Everybody can contribute; we all need to be part of how we shape our future." Ms Tarrant said taking a long-term view was crucial to addressing these issues. "Discussion today will not create additional jobs in Launceston tomorrow, but it will open up thinking about where the jobs are in one, five and 10 years."
SIXTY of Tasmania's most influential community, local government and business leaders converged on Launceston to discuss regional competitiveness yesterday.
The round table discussion focused on economic challenges and opportunities facing the city and state.
It was led by the Regional Australia Institute and Business Council of Australia.
The event followed similar meetings in Port Hedland, Townsville, Wollongong and Geelong.
A clear message to come from the meeting was the need for Tasmania to brand itself better.
"We must find a better narrative for the region," RAI chief executive Su McCluskey said.
"There is a huge amount of potential in Launceston and in Tasmania more broadly, and at the moment we're not necessarily tapping into that."
BCA chief executive Maria Tarrant said organisations throughout the region needed to improve co- ordination and co-operation to become more competitive.
"Regional groups, local government groups and small business groups need to share information and have a firm, united strategy," she said.
The 60 participants also discussed curbing Tasmania's high unemployment, low workforce participation and welfare dependency.
"At the moment we don't have a good understanding of our current skills and how best to use them," Ms McCluskey said.
"Everybody can contribute; we all need to be part of how we shape our future."
Ms Tarrant said taking a long-term view was crucial to addressing these issues.
"Discussion today will not create additional jobs in Launceston tomorrow, but it will open up thinking about where the jobs are in one, five and 10 years."
