Andrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In July this year a major redevelopment of Launceston's North Bank will begin thanks to funding from this government. As promised during the 2013 election, the coalition will provide $6 million towards the completion of this dynamic project. Once an industrial area that was home to wool, timber and grain businesses, North Bank has suffered from neglect as commercial river traffic on the Tamar River, into which the North Esk River runs, has declined.

There are some exciting ideas proposed for the redevelopment: the old wool store buildings will become a community events precinct, an urban green and regional playground is proposed, the existing foreshore boardwalk will be extended, and a pedestrian-cycle bridge will link the new development to Launceston's seaport. North Bank's foreshore will be converted into beautiful and useable parklands, incorporating unique Tasmanian native vegetation. When added to other private enterprise projects on the riverfront, local people, businesses and tourists will have even more reason to make northern Tasmania a preferred destination. These include Errol Stewart's conversion of iconic grain silos that dominate river views on North Bank into a five-star hotel. Joe Chromy has commenced a project to revitalise the Penny Royal site. The North Bank redevelopment and surrounding projects will provide a real and much-needed boost to northern Tasmania.