Planning approvals hit record highs in Launceston
Published on 07 October 2025
The City of Launceston has approved $469 million worth of development in the 2024/25 financial year, a significant $97 million increase on the previous year, underscoring growing investor confidence and aligning with the Council's new 10-Year Strategic Plan.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the results reflect Launceston's momentum as a hub for sustainable growth across residential, commercial, and community-focused projects.
"It’s fantastic to see this level of investment flowing into our city, backing the pillars of our Strategic Plan: Prosperity, Place and People," Mayor Matthew Garwood said.
"From new housing through to major infrastructure, these approvals show that Launceston is embracing a real ‘can-do’ attitude. We’re creating jobs, building homes, improving facilities and shaping a city that people are proud to call home.”
"In just the past year alone, we’ve approved almost half a billion dollars’ worth of development. Over the past five years, that figure is now $1.77 billion. That’s a powerful message: Launceston isn’t just open for business, we’re building the future together."
The Council approved 520 planning applications worth a combined $469 million in the 2024/25 financial year, compared with $372 million across 535 applications the year prior.
Approvals included 154 new development lots and 273 new houses, contributing to housing diversity and community expansion goals under the Strategic Plan's Place pillar.
City of Launceston planning approvals:
2024/25 — $469m across 520 applications
2023/24 — $372m across 535 applications
2022/23 — $315m across 635 applications
2021/22 — $235m across 672 applications
2020/21 — $383m across 771 applications
Total = $1.77b worth of development across 3133 applications approved in the past five years
Some of the major approvals this year included the redevelopment of the Princess Theatre, new private medical facilities, new supermarkets, and the UTAS Stadium redevelopment.
"While the number of applications dipped slightly, what we’re seeing is more of the big, impactful projects coming through from commercial builds to eco-friendly housing developments," Mayor Garwood said.
"These are the projects that lift Launceston, creating long-term economic, social and cultural benefits.
"They’re a vote of confidence in Launceston’s future, and a sign that our city is heading in the right direction."