City of Launceston approves $238m worth of development

Published on 06 September 2022

The City of Launceston approved $238m worth of development across 674 applications during the last financial year.

Of this number, 391 approved applications were for residential developments with a combined value of $107m.

While the numbers are down on last year's record 771 approvals worth $383m — an unprecedented result driven by a range of COVID-related local, state and federal government stimulus packages — they represent an increase of $23m on the pre-pandemic 2019-20 figures.

Over the past five years, the City of Launceston has approved $1.2 billion worth of development across more than 3400 projects in the Launceston municipality.

City of Launceston planning approvals over the past five financial years:

2021-22 $238m across 674 applications

2020-21 $383m across 771 applications

2019-20 $215m across 673 applications

2018-19 $211.2m across 646 applications

2017-18 $209.6m across 658 applications

Additionally, during the last financial year the City of Launceston's average processing for discretionary applications was 32 days, well within the statutory limit of 42 days.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the planning approval statistics showed investment confidence in the city was continuing to trend upwards.

"The City of Launceston is a strong supporter of appropriate job creating development in Launceston and we've continued to progress that through the planning approvals process over the most recent term," Mayor van Zetten said.

"Launceston continues to attract significant commercial development proposals as well as a wide range of residential projects, with more than half of the approved planning applications in the past financial year relating to residential projects.

"The Council works proactively with developers wherever possible on behalf of our community to deliver positive, sustainable and appropriate development outcomes for Launceston."