TALKS about moving the Launceston Show from Inveresk to Newnham have been met with strong community reaction.
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Organisers have hired a consultant to review the show with an emphasis on making it more sustainable.
The option of moving the show to the University of Tasmania's Newnham campus has been mooted.
It would allow the show society access to the site all year and give the university the space the show society now occupies at Inveresk.
Organisers wish to set up a Northern Tasmanian Larder featuring local produce, to run throughout the year at the Newnham site.
With the suggested relocation of the university to an expanded Inveresk precinct, the idea has merit.
There is little doubt that the Launceston Show has suffered an identity crisis since its relocation from the Elphin Showgrounds to Inveresk.
The Inveresk site seems too spread out and lacks some of the atmosphere of town shows like Longford, which has seen visitor numbers increase.
The Launceston Show needs a rethink and organisers are to be commended for putting ideas out there to the public.
Apart from the move, some of the suggestions for improvement include multi-day passes and adult gourmet show bags.
The success of Launceston's Harvest Market and Agfest illustrates there is a desire for events that cater to adults as well as children.
Launceston also needs to consider the increasing success of Hobart's Dark Mofo and ask itself what type of winter event it might promote.
More than 43,000 paid to attend the Winter Feast and some 75,000 viewed the free Dark Park installation at Macquarie Point.
Northern Tasmania needs to get away from the idea that it should shut for winter because no one wants to come out in the cold.
The cold is exactly what should be marketed and celebrated.
Launceston, the Tamar Valley and small towns with their heritage are beautiful places in winter.