Treasurer Peter Gutwein addressed the representatives about the UTAS move, and said the development would change the face of training and education in the North.

“When we came to government in 2014, we changed the rules to give local businesses the best possible chance of benefiting from government tenders and large projects that receive government funding,” Mr Gutwein said.

“As a result UTAS will be required to develop a Tasmanian Industry Participation Plan before we hand over any taxpayer funds.

“The plan will outline exactly how local businesses will be involved, especially small and medium business.”

Mr Gutwein said the plan was vital to ensure that the state government’s investment benefited the entire Tasmanian community.

Tasmania Chamber of Commerce and Industry cheif Michael Bailey said he was excited to be addressing a variety university’s from around Australia about the university’s plans for Launceston.

“We know that the greater cities program is going to have a huge benefit to the city in a whole range of ways, firstly though the build phase we’ll see investment and the economy grown through Launceston,” Mr Bailey said.

“We know in Hobart that similar projects have seen over 50 apprentices employed and we expect to see similar numbers here in Launceston.

“But we know long-term if we get this project right there will be a great opportunities for investment and innovation through the industries and a boom for this region.”