The discussion paper is the latest stage in the plan to develop practical ways that council can improve the northern suburbs: Invermay, Mowbray, Newnham, Mayfield, Rocherlea, Ravenswood, and Waverley, which together represent a third of the Launceston population. 

If successful, the plan will see a district with improved health and wellbeing, housing, education, transport, employment and economic growth, and infrastructure and public spaces.

Mayor Albert Van Zetten said the paper was a “significant milestone” for council’s overall ambitions for the district. 

“Ultimately, through this plan, we want to support economic and employment growth in the northern suburbs, and assist the residents of those communities through improved lifestyle, social and economic outcomes," he said.

The project is part of the Launceston City Deal, a plan from all three tiers of government to create “one of Australia’s most liveable and innovative regional cities.” 

Among myriad key considerations listed in the plan, major elements include increasing health facilities in the district; removing barriers to education including getting to school, mental health issues among students, and support for parents; improving public transport; increasing the number of attractive, safe community spaces; and combating negative perceptions of these suburbs. 

One of the major findings of the research commissioned for the discussion paper was the need to improve issues around housing, with the emerging priorities being the cost of housing, how long people are able to live in one place before having to move, the appropriateness of the home, feeling safe inside the home and in the neighbourhood, ability to meet the needs of people who are getting older or who have a disability, and management of vacant houses. 

In terms of jobs, council identified the need to increase skills to match current and future employment opportunities, increase real employment opportunities, create a regional attraction in the northern suburbs, create a program to attract more businesses to the northern suburbs, and improve the Mowbray precinct to create a bustling centre, or hub. 

The discussion paper, and instructions on how to give feedback, can be viewed through council, or at launceston.tas.gov.au/Business-and-Development/Major-Projects/My-Place-My-Future. 

Submissions are welcome until 5pm, March 1.

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