Northern Tasmanians will have the chance to pitch for up to $10,000 funding to implement an innovative project to improve their community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Great Regional City Challenge is being spearheaded by Community Led Impact Partnerships' Owen Tilbury.
"What has happened in the western world, in Australia, and Tasmania is we have handed over, to a large extent, fixing things to government," Mr Tilbury said.
"What we are aiming to do is to actually involve the community in a structured way."
IN OTHER NEWS
Successful projects will make the region stronger using innovation and creativity, enhance livability, encourage diverse communities and economies, or tap in to connectivity.
"What we are focused on doing is not just coming up with a bunch of bright ideas, we are looking for projects that fit into the city plan," Mr Tilbury said.
"We want to get people thinking as a community they are powerful and they don't always need to rely on government."
City of Launceston council has committed more $20,000 to the initiative, which already has $135,000 funding from the private sector.
West Tamar Council was asked to contribute $7400, Meander Valley $6040, Northern Midlands $4000 and George Town $2120.
George Town and West Tamar councils have supported the request.
During a September meeting, West Tamar Council general manager Rolph Vos said the project would create positive economic impacts in the region if it was successful.
"For instance, the program could help to align interests and hotspots of innovation to support collective action and might be a community-led means to get businesses or service providers to cluster for mutual advantage," he said.
People have until March 15 to submit project ideas, with more information about the process available at www.launcestontogether.com.au/project-ideas.
Community members will be given two months to vote for the best projects and winners will be announced at a major awards event in June.
"Between now and March 15 we will reach out to the community and ask what projects they are excited about," Mr Tilbury said.
The 12 successful projects will be granted up to $10,000 to bring the ideas to life in July 2020.
A launch conference for the city challenge will be held on November 2 at the Rory Spence Lecture Theatre at UTAS' Inveresk campus.
The free event will have international and national guest speakers talking about what it takes to activate communities.
Register to attend the event at greatregionalcitychallenge.eventbrite.com.au