City of Launceston - 2018 End of Term report

Published on 29 October 2018

The City of Launceston has released its first End of Term report ahead of the new Council taking office in early November.

City of Launceston General Manager Michael Stretton said the purpose of the report was to acknowledge and objectively comment on the Council's progress against the strategic goals set down by the current aldermen in 2014.

"This report summarises the achievements of our organisation, under the leadership of our outgoing Aldermen, over the past four years," Mr Stretton said.

"It will also set the scene, strategically, that will inform and influence the incoming Council as they commence their four-year term.

"The past four years have delivered much to be proud of, with economic development and growth experienced at levels not seen in the municipal area in living memory.

"And much of this activity stems from the historic signing of the Launceston City Deal - signed by three levels of government last year - which is underpinned by the $260 million relocation of the University of Tasmania’s inner-city campus to Inveresk."

Mr Stretton said the Council's strategic goals - adopted by the Council on November 24, 2014 - were based on eight principals:

-          A creative and innovative city

-          A city where people choose to live

-          A city in touch with its region

-          A diverse and welcoming city

-          A city that values its environment

-          A city building its future

-          A city that stimulates economic activity and vibrancy

-          A secure, accountable and responsive council

Mr Stretton said the report featured a number of positive outcomes based on those goals, including an overall net increase in employment in the municipality, a continuing trend of decreasing crime and improved safety levels, a decrease in the Council's carbon emissions, as well as the delivery of a number of key projects in the municipality that has added value in terms of social benefits to the community.

"Also, the Council is in a strong financial situation, with our four-year underlying surplus averaging $1.6 million. As an organisation, we're certainly living within our means, which bodes well for the long-term financial viability of the City of Launceston," Mr Stretton said.

Mr Stretton said that while the previous Council had laid the foundations for a bright future for the City, there was still plenty of work to accomplish for hte incoming Council to continue the positive momentum.

"There are a number of key issues that, as a Council, we will need to remain focussed upon, such as our Long-Term Finance Plan, a new four-year delivery plan, the continuation of the City Deal Agreement, and the recently announced Tamar River Health Action Plan - a $95 million commitment from all three tiers of government - as well as TasWater, the Hydro and NRM North, to improve the health of the Tamar River," Mr Stretton said.

"Finally, I would like to acknowledge the outgoing Council for their commitment to driving Launceston forward into a new and exciting era and their contribution to the City and its ratepayers over the past four years."