For three years running, Hockey Tasmania board chairman Ken Read's annual report has highlighted major issues facing the sport in Launceston.

Last July, Read told The Examiner its future was in doubt due to dwindling numbers and the "desperate need" for investment in the Northern Hockey Centre at St Leonards.

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In his 2019 annual report, released this week, Read said the situation remains pressing.

"In my 2017 report, and again in my 2018 report, I referred to the concern the board had over the state of our sport in Launceston," he said.

"Discussions have continued with the council led by our hard working board members from that region - Nic Duffy and Brett Withington. It is taking time, the lack of progress is frustrating but we will make progress."

Elsewhere in HT's annual report, Northern competitions convenor Lynette Stebbings said: "Although there continue to be ongoing concerns around the sport in Launceston, especially around participation and the facilities at St Leonards, 2019 was an overall positive and successful season."

She said this was largely due to the "outstanding contributions" of the volunteers and committee members who "continue to work hard and meet the challenges facing the game in our region".

Stebbings said priority issues for the future are improving the development of umpires and coaches and finalising redevelopment plans for the Northern Hockey Centre.

Read admitted it had been difficult to reflect on 2019 without one eye on "the tumultuous events related to COVID-19" in 2020.

A proposal for the South Launceston Suns to join the Southern Premier League was unlikely to be accepted due to issues over rostering and player availability.

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