We have appreciated the efforts of our cafe and restaurant industry to swiftly develop innovative models to provide delicious takeaway menus, often using our high-quality local food and beverages.

Behind the scenes, the transport sector has been moving our produce out and freight has been arriving by sea and air. Some businesses such as construction and manufacturing have continued much as usual, while others have people working from home, quickly adapting to a new environment. We have new skills in socialising, working, and learning online. But we have missed the opportunities for social interaction that we once took for granted; meeting up with family and friends, playing sport or watching live music, films, performances and sport together. Business and workers who rely on our inbuilt need for social contact have suffered the most.

Local governments, business groups and the not-for-profit sector swiftly came together to respond to the crisis, collaboratively developing various packages including supports such as small grants and rate relief. Local agencies have tasked the Northern Tasmania Development Corporation with consulting widely, gathering ideas for recovery projects and coming up with agreed priorities. Modelling previous commissioned by NTDC and the Regional Economic Development Strategy is a starting point.

Our recent experience also tells us some things about where we should invest our effort as COVID restrictions are eased. It highlights some of our region's strengths and current vulnerabilities. We produce internationally recognised quality food and beverages; are innovative and adaptable; have a strong manufacturing base at Bell Bay and elsewhere in our region; are digitally well-connected to the world; and have a liveable region that is the envy of many. Our recovery must build on these place-based advantages. Renewable energy projects build on our strengths. While the future of TEMCO is uncertain, Bell Bay has plentiful access to green hydropower and is well-placed for future hydrogen generation.

We must build on our eputation for food and beverages, our innovative farmers, and food and beverage manufacturers and research capacity through the joint Defence-UTAS Centre for Food Innovation, and exciting food processing testing facilities such as Testlab 4.0 hosted by UTAS, which will include an electronic tongue.

For our region to prosper, businesses must be supported by a vast range of services to support them, things such as construction and trades to build infrastructure, and technical, ICT, and businesses services.

A shift to a circular economy, which provides a longer lifecycle through a "reduce, reuse, repurpose, repair, maintain and recycle" focus has many advantages over our existing linear economy that takes, makes, breaks and wastes. Our recent experience points out areas that need attention.

We need to ensure that those working in industries which have suffered from COVID social isolation have every opportunity to recover. This means more people in our region, either as visitors, students or new residents. World standard mountain bike trails, national parks, walking trails, famous beaches, golf courses, food, beverages, and events will once again attract tourists initially from Australia and later from around the globe.

Our population is ageing, we need more working-age people for our industries and services. Many Australians have discovered that they can work at home and enjoy more time relaxing and with family. Our region is equipped for the digital economy. Launceston is Australia's first and only Gigabit city and one of a very few Australian cities with fibre to the premises. Now is the time to showcase our region as a place to live and work with innovative businesses and a world-class university. We must welcome new residents to our region.

There is some work to be done for our region to remain liveable and attractive, so that working-age people continue to be willing to move here, bringing the skills we need for our innovative industries. During recovery, we need to address housing demands, ensure our education system produces young people who finish school and invest in health and social services.

For everyone to have the opportunity to participate in a brighter future, we must encourage young people onto education and training pathways that give them a good chance at one of the many technical and professional jobs our industries of the future will offer. Health services will continue to be one of our biggest employers.

Engineers, tradespeople of all sorts, food technicians, teachers and trainers, business and ICT professionals are just some of the jobs with good future prospects. And now is a good time to retrain or upskill to take advantage of the opportunities.

Crucially, attracting new residents, tourists and exporting our fresh produce interstate and overseas all rely on connectivity. Launceston airport puts our region just one hour from Melbourne. Regular air services are critical to our future. COVID restrictions have placed Launceston airport at risk. We must advocate for continued reliable, affordable and regular passenger and freight services.