The Northern Tasmania Development Corporation (NTDC) was tasked in 2018 with finding a population solution and its member councils have agreed to chip in extra money to support new population attraction programs.

Research found approximately 5000 working-age people (between 18 and 64 years) would be lost, predominantly due to our ageing population, if no action was taken.

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A workforce loss of this magnitude would impact services, including technical, trades, health and aged care.

NTDC appointed a Population Taskforce, comprising regional stakeholders and state government, to attract and retain more working-age people and businesses to the region.

The taskforce's Population Attraction Strategy identified a number of action points, including ensuring new arrivals felt welcomed, encouraging small businesses to relocate here and promoting the benefits of the region.

NTDC has appointed Edward Obi to coordinate the programs.

Half of highly skilled jobs in the region require the applicant to "know or be known" by the employer, NTDC chief executive Maree Tetlow said.

"If the newly arrived jobseeker doesn't have the networks within the community, there is a high likelihood they (and their families) will leave once their savings have been depleted and they are able to secure work elsewhere," Ms Tetlow said.

"Our first priority is to help new residents already in the region to connect with potential jobs and other networks to feel part of their community.

"We need to fix the 'hole in our bucket' we have currently, where skilled people arrive - but then leave again due to lack of connections. We want them to know they are welcome and offer practical solutions to make local connections," she said.

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"The Northern Councils have been forward-thinking and supportive of attracting the skills we need into the region," Ms Tetlow said.

"Word is already getting out about NTDC's work in promoting the skills of new arrivals ... to better link to our local networks including recruitment firms, welcome/support agencies, and business contacts."

The Population Program is one NTDC priority, along with better educational outcomes and upskilling residents, improving industry capability and attracting new business and industries.

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