The Hon. Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, today launched a Strategic Regional Plan for Tasmania (the Plan).
Launch of a Strategic Regional Plan for Tasmania
The Hon. Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, today launched a Strategic Regional Plan for Tasmania (the Plan).
The Plan was developed by Regional Development Australia Tasmania (RDAT) and is the result of extensive research and consultation. Unlike previous plans which were to guide strategic planning for RDAT, this Strategic Regional Plan is for regional development for Tasmania and for all 3 levels of Government and stakeholders to work toward.
The Chair of RDA Tasmania, Professor Sue Kilpatrick, said the Strategic Regional Plan for Tasmania was uniquely Tasmanian and reflects the values of stakeholders and the community more broadly.
"Tasmania has the most decentralised population in Australia, which is why it is vital we have a strong, cohesive Plan like this to drive regional development in the State," Professor Kilpatrick said.
“The Plan's unique approach and comprehensive focus on the needs and opportunities of regional Tasmania will help to drive economic development and growth, creating job opportunities and promoting investment in the state.
“The Plan is particularly special because it covers the entire State and brings together all 3 levels of government, as well as existing Tasmanian Government strategies into a single document.
“Engagement with Local Government, industry, and community shines through in the Plan, which really emphasises that Tasmania's people and their communities must be at the heart of regional development.
Professor Kilpatrick said there were a number of key priorities in the plan, including:
- Realising People’s Economic Potential, with a focus on workforce needs, the future economy, and small business;
- Being Led by Communities, including health and wellbeing outcomes, and social and economic inclusion; and
- Prioritising the Natural Environment, by recognising the risk of climate change and leveraging the brand benefits of net-zero.
The plan also recognises the Strategic Regional Priorities of growing Gross Regional Product, with a focus on premium goods and services and value-add on-island, and improving the built environment, including freight transport and storage infrastructure, digital infrastructure, planning, and housing.
Importantly, all 3 levels of Government, and community and industry, along with RDAT have an important role to play in realising the vision and achieving the Strategic Regional Priorities in the Plan.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:
“I am thrilled to be in Devonport today with a wide range of guests from the state and local governments, industry and the community to officially launch the Strategic Regional Plan for Tasmania 2023.
“The Albanese Labor Government is ensuring regional Australia remains a great place to live, work, study and do business. We demonstrate this day in and day out by continuing to invest in our regions – from the transport infrastructure people need to get around safely to the community initiatives that bring people together.
“But we know the best results will be achieved with everyone working together towards a common vision. That’s why we asked RDAs right across the nation to develop a plan that connects across all levels of government and identifies local, long-term investment priorities.
“RDA Tasmania has done an incredible job with their plan, which has been developed with stakeholders from all levels of government, business and the community here in the state, and I look forward to the positive impacts this will bring.
For more information, please visit the RDA Tasmania website - www.rdatasmania.org.au