The world-famous Cataract Gorge, which just this year hosted the Australian Tourism Industry Council's annual tourism awards, is one of those things.

Hollybank Reserve, which offers picturesque surroundings for adrenalin-seekers, or those who want to be immersed in nature, is another.

In many ways, Launceston is a picture-perfect city, with quaint heritage buildings and pockets of natural beauty. However, there is one thing that is holding us back. Despite living at the confluence of two rivers, Launceston's Tamar River is not always a pretty sight.

The health of the river has been in the spotlight since the Coalition announced its Launceston City Deal in 2017.

Funding was released to help identify priority projects to improve the health of the river, and a study was conducted to identify those projects.

The Tamar River is on the minds of Northern Tasmanians - it was named the number one issue that residents would like to see a commitment from this federal election in a survey conducted by The Examiner on election issues.

However, with only a week left until we go to the polls, there has yet to be any further commitment for the river other than what has already been committed to through the City Deal.

Incumbent Bass MHR Ross Hart told The Examiner he "would be open" to seeking funding for the river if someone brought forward a proposal to him.

His challenger, Liberal candidate Bridget Archer did not commit to seeking any further funds but said the City Deal was "the best vehicle" to talk about funding for the river. There has been much ado about the health of the Tamar River lately - but progress on any significant action appears to be lacking.

No doubt the issue is complex and would require time and effort to solve, but the wheels on that solution need to keep turning, because if we do nothing, the damage may be irreversible.