As the country awaits with bated breath for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to call the election, you would be forgiven for thinking the budget, often a sweetener ahead of the big day would hold some carrots for Tasmanian voters.
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Particularly in the marginal seat of Bass, where it will be crucial that the Liberals hold onto their seat.
However, a lacklustre budget failed to deliver any significant change for Tasmanians, and for Northern Tasmania, there was a notable lack of commitment to vital infrastructure projects such as the bridge over the Tamar Estuary and estuary clean-up projects.
Tasmanians will need to wait until the official campaign launch, which is expected soon, but to get ahead of the curve, The Sunday Examiner has canvassed the region to find out what infrastructure projects need support. A regional wishlist has been supplied by the Northern Tasmanian Development Corporation, along with the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, on what will help to sweeten the deal for voters.
UTAS STADIUM UPGRADE
One of the big-ticket items that need to be funded is the redevelopment of UTAS Stadium. Last year, the City of Launceston council revealed $208 million redevelopment plans for the stadium, which would increase capacity and become an indoor sporting precinct for international level events.
The community-based indoor sporting and entertainment facility would add an international-level show court to accommodate national level basketball and netball as well as concerts for up to 5000 people.
The indoor facility would be configurable to become three community-use courts, addressing a significant shortfall of high standard indoor training spaces in Northern Tasmania, while joint training facilities and recovery spaces could be used for a range of sports, including AFL, basketball, soccer and cricket. The redevelopment was contingent on the state government taking over ownership of the stadium, and after the election, the Liberal government established Stadiums Tasmania to oversee the development. A pitch has been made to the federal government and the opposition for a financial pledge of $145 million to support the development of the stadium. The state government has also committed $65 million.
QVMAG DEVELOPMENT
A proposal has been floated to modernise the Queen Victoria and Art Gallery.
QVMAG is Launceston's most valuable cultural institution, but it needs to be modernised to increase visitation and maintain cultural relevance.
A project to construct a contemporary extension of the Royal Park Art Gallery location of QVMAG would feature a multi-functional exhibition space, a cafe and retail space and increased parking. The space would offer the ability to host food and event experiences that take advantage of the views across to the Cataract Gorge and would help increase visitation.
Building fit-for-purpose facilities that encourage return visitation and a heightened sense of ownership by the Launceston community will support QVMAG, a national and international centre for research and education, to make the most of its unique and extensive collection.
This redevelopment of QVMAG is expected to attract an additional 110,000 visitors a year, which would deliver $140 million into the local economy annually.
NORTHERN TRANSLINK
As a small and dispersed island state, Tasmania relies on efficient transport networks to bring people together and connect businesses to their trading partners.
The TRANSlink industrial precinct is a key component of this network and is an important distribution point for goods and services in Northern Tasmania. The region is set to benefit from recent investment in a number of irrigation schemes with a growing need to transport niche, high-value agricultural products.
The construction of an intermodal facility would improve access to interstate and overseas markets for perishable goods.
TAMAR ESTUARY
The kanamaluka/Tamar estuary is the longest navigable estuary in Australia and a major part of Northern Tasmania's economy and community.
A Tamar estuary that is healthy, visually attractive and encourages creative, cultural and lifestyle pursuits will deliver a triple bottom line to the region.
The Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce is amid public consultation around what the future use and amenity of the estuary look like.
This could include more boardwalks, natural wetlands, Aboriginal heritage, installations and infrastructure in the upper reaches where the South and North Esk Rivers converge.
The actual project and cost are not yet clear but what is clear is the region's desire for a healthy estuary that attracts people and economic activity to the region.
Separate to the TEMT process but relative by theme would be George Town's plans for infrastructure and Aboriginal interpretation at the other end of the estuary.
ROYAL FLYING DOCTORS HQ
The Royal Flying Doctors Service has been operating in Tasmania since 1960.
Launceston has always been home to RFDS in Tasmania as it is centrally located for serving the whole State and transfer to the mainland.
RFDS operates out of three leased buildings at the Launceston Airport sites. One of the buildings is now more than 20 years old, and while suitable for fixed-wing aviation, it is not up to standard for aeromedical clinical activity, and not fit for purpose for pandemic or disaster response or recovery activities.
RFDS has plans in place for the redevelopment of B85 to cater for education, tourism, museum and function areas, which are even more critical as we can no longer use B90 for such purposes due to COVID and operational requirements of Ambulance Tasmania.
GEORGE TOWN HEALTHY COMMUNITY PRECINCT
National Disability Insurance Scheme plans are significantly undersubscribed in George Town.
Data suggests there are 129 people in George Town with an approved NDIS Support Plan, however, modelling suggests 500 or more residents might be eligible for NDIS support (in a population of approximately 7000). Of the NDIS participants, who have a combined total of $3.6m in package funds, only 49 per cent ($1.8 million) use their funding packages each year. This suggests NDIS participants experience significant difficulties purchasing the support they require in George Town and the surrounding region.
NDIS says funds are under-subscribed in George Town by $15 million due to transportation barriers.
A quarter of residents have a person living with them who is aged over 65 or has a disability.
George Town Council is seeking funding to upgrade the existing swimming complex to include a year-round heated indoor pool with four by 25-metre lanes, an indoor warm water pool for lessons and therapy, a multi-purpose fitness room, a community gym, a treatment room for allied health professionals, and provisions for childcare.
A recent survey found that residents want to be more active but do not have adequate facilities for this to occur and often travel elsewhere for regular recreation and therapy.
An integrated aquatic and well-being centre will support the health of George Town's growing population by providing a centre that caters for all abilities and ages.
With the region leading Northern Tasmania's population growth, it is imperative that the community is healthy, active and has access to the services needed to support the growth and increase in population and participation.
OTHER PROJECTS
Hydrogen at Bell Bay and the Bio-waste facility at Westbury were also notable mentions. The Launceston City of Gastronomy also warranted a mention as top projects.
REGIONAL BIO-WASTE PROCESSING PLANT
One of the big ticket items for the Meander Valley council is the regional bio-waste processing plant, costed at $4 million for design and approval, and $18 million for the total project. The Anaerobic Digestion plant, set for the Valley Central Industrial Precinct in Westbury, would divert waste from landfill, offering a sustainable treatment option, reducing emissions, creating organic fertiliser, and generating industry earnings.
The projects underwent feasibility studies in 2018, which indicated the plant was viable. Additional pre-development work was funded by the Meander Council for 2021-22, with the council on the hunt for partners to complete the work.
LEGANA RECREATION PRECINCT
The West Tamar council is bidding for a $12 million investment into the Legana Recreation Precinct, which would see the development of a first-class sporting facility for the Legana School, which will admit students from 2024. Mayor Christina Holmdahl said the project would future-proof the sporting needs of members of the municipality, with the precinct available to both students and recognised sporting bodies.
MAIN STREET UPGRADES
The Northern Midlands Council has listed main street upgrades for Longford, Peth and Campbell Town on its election wish-list. The project aims to enhance the safety of the areas.
Mayor Mary Knowles said Labor had already committed $8 million to the project, and hoped Liberal would put forward a similar commitment. The plans have been done and are ready to be implemented once the council receives the finances.
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION AND CULTURAL TOURISM TRAIL
The George Town Council has listed the $1.2 million project, which would design signs to be displayed at culturally significant sites throughout the area.
The project is an extension of the council's Reconciliation Strategy, and had been put forward after consultations with communities. Mayor Greg Keiser said the project presented as an excellent opportunity to showcase the community's rich history.
RECONSTRUCTION AND RESEAL OF PALANA ROAD
Flinders Island is hoping for funding required to upgrade 22.4 km of unsealed Palana Road to significantly improve safety for all road users including accessibility to the northern area of the island for freight vehicles and visitor access to the island's unique scenery.
GREAT EASTERN DRIVE UPGRADE
As a regional area highly dependent on the tourism sector that is already experiencing a significant increase in visitation, access to our destinations should be a State priority. Break O'Day council have requested that the Tasmanian Government establish a road upgrade program from Dianas Basin to the bottom of St Marys Pass for completion within four years as a priority.
BAY OF FIRES MASTERPLAN
Break O'Day Council would like the State Government to recognise the growing attraction of the Bay of Fires as a tourism destination and ensure its environmental and economic sustainability by providing additional $50,000 funding to the development of a Bay of Fires Master Plan.
TRIABUNNA TOMORROW
Triabunna Tomorrow brings to fruition community consultation and planning in recent years, to modernise the infrastructure entry to Triabunna through to the Marina and Maria Island ferry terminal which would benefit from funding ranging from $1 - $5 million.
ORFORD FORESHORE MASTERPLAN
The project conserves and protects the natural values of the Orford foreshore and Prosser River Mouth while developing naturally inspired tourist and visitor experiences that complement this beautiful location. Funding of $3.5 million will enable the project to be delivered in its entirety.