That is the view of the National Party, which held an infrastructure forum in Launceston with a number of regional development bodies,advocacy groups and other stakeholders.

The forum was attended by Resources Minister Matt Canavan and assistant minister Andrew Broad.

Tasmanian Nationals senator Steve Martin said the forum was about getting together with industry and stakeholder groups to identify key infrastructure projects that will help boost Tasmania’s economy.

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“We have come together to listen to understand the needs and wants of the local communities, and local government areas to identify infrastructure projects and products we need to make Tasmania better,” he said.

The forum heard from businesses, particularly in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors, such as TasFoods, Boag’s and Lion Dairy and Drinks as well as lobby groups such as the Tasmanian Disability Education Reform Lobby.

Disability access was spoken about during the forum, as something that infrastructure projects need to ensure was top priority, or was taken into account during the design phase.

Senator Canavan said the forum would help the federal government and the National Party to identify the infrastructure needs of Tasmania.

“Together with the Launceston City Deal, the Coalition’s infrastructure investment in Tasmania are addressing safety, congestion and efficiency within the state’s road network while creating hundreds of jobs for construction workers and supporting the long-term growth of Tasmania,” he said.

Mr Broad said Northern Tasmania was well placed to take advantage of the government’s record spend on infrastructure through things like the City Deal, the $400 million roads package and irrigation schemes.

“The Coalition government is eager to ensure Northern Tasmania is getting a fair go and the pieces are aligning to make sure it stays that way for the future,” Mr Broad said.

The infrastructure forum will pave the way for the National Party to hold its first ever conference in Tasmania.

Senators and party members are expected to make their way to Launceston for the conference, which will be held this week.

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