The recent Census data illuminates the distinct divide between Tasmanian cities and that of our nation’s capital. While Canberra has 43 per cent of its 429,023 population in state employment, Hobart is a slightly sadder story of government support at 24 per cent. Launceston is even worse at 17 per cent, and other major Tasmanian population centres are equally as poor. Yet, when Canberra is trekking at 10-year growth more than 10 per cent above Launceston, there has to be a real question asked about why this is still the case. The federal government has a tremendous opportunity to bring an industry to Tasmania, and specifically to Launceston and the North. This redirection must be strategic and well-thought out. And in terms of attracting and retaining young innovators, Tourism Australia makes a lot of sense.
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From Saffire Freycinet to Pumphouse Point to the Gordon River Cruises, Tasmania has some spectacular places. As more world-renowned sites are discovered or imagined across our great state, we need a place to bring it all together, and that place can and should be Launceston. Not only are we able to support better job distribution, the federal government is able to aid Northern Tasmania’s stagnating wage growth in a real way. Our little island is running towards the front of the pack, especially in tourism. Tassie in 2016 was tied-last on Commonwealth Bank’s State of States, in the most recent release it is fourth. Launceston has to be an attractive location for the younger population, and while government departments are not likely to transform the community by themselves, they are a necessary starting point.
The federal government must continue to demonstrate confidence in our city, so that young people can feel confident about creating a future in Launceston. The CityDeal has opened the floodgate of opportunity and innovation, and continued movements for regional development offer a chance to bolster and strengthen this trajectory. There is a strategic discussion to be had, and a real need to position federal departments where they will be the most effective. This discussion must include Tasmania and the national tourism department. In the 2016 Tourism Australia Awards, our island won five gold medals alongside New South Wales and Queensland, yet our beautiful state won 14 total awards, two more than the tied-second Victoria and Queensland. In 2015, we took seven gold awards, coming second to Victoria on 11. In 2014, we took nine gold awards, compared to second-place Queensland on five. To add to the evidence pile, three of the four hall of fame winners in 2014 were Tasmanian.
Tourism Australia has a place in Tasmania, and with the major tourism developments in Launceston, it is a strategic home. If the globally recognised wine routes are not enough, then think about the coming Silos and the University of Tasmania growing emphasis on international higher education delivery. Penny Royal Adventures’ emerging reputation must certainly increase the interest. Our island is becoming a beacon of hope for Australia on the international stage. Tourism in Tasmania is one place to build capacity and drive economic growth. Tourism in our state can, and should, continue to drive our economy as a nation leader. The government should continue to build and support the private sector tourism vendors and their innate desire to flourish in our beautiful environment.
- Joey Crawford is Northern Young Professionals Network board secretary, Tasmania University Union postgraduate president and the CityHeart representative.
