Council Welcomes Labor’s $5 Million Commitment for TRANSLink Project

Posted on April 26, 2022

Northern Midlands Council today welcomed a $5 million commitment from Federal Labor to commence work on an in excess of $75 million TRANSLink Project near Launceston Airport.

NMC Mayor Mary Knowles OAM said the project would open an extra 59 hectares for new development adjacent to the airport and create 490 new jobs in the region.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King and Lyons MHR Brian Mitchell announced Labor would invest an initial $5 million to start the planning process for Northern Midlands’ proposed TRANSLink intermodal facility to allow Northern Midlands Council to secure long-term tenants for this site and to do the design work needed for future investment.

They also committed Labor to a further $30 million to deliver enabling infrastructure to the site once the planning work has been completed.

“Council has developed a master plan for this TRANSLink intermodal facility which includes a rail spur to the precinct at Western Junction, installation of an 8 km natural gas pipeline from Youngtown and extension and upgrade of the stormwater system,” Mayor Knowles said.

“This funding will allow Council to prepare a detailed feasibility study and business case, negotiate agreements with other major stakeholders including the Federal and State governments, property owners, Tasrail, and Launceston Airport.

Mayor Knowles said that with Federal funding, this work could be completed in 12 to 18 months.

It was envisaged that major transport companies would be the anchor businesses for the new development.

Mayor Knowles said the new development would ensure the continued viability of existing precinct businesses and generate an extra $33.6 million product annually in the Northern Tasmanian Region through the more efficient movement of freight, and improved market access for high-end and perishable goods.

Overall, the project will need in excess of $75 million from Federal and State Government and private sector investment.

“Council acknowledges the advocacy of Northern Tasmania Development Corporation Limited (NTDC), our regional economic development agency owned by seven councils in Northern Tasmania” Mayor Knowles said.

Labor has previously committed $8M for the upgrade of the main streets of Campbell Town and Perth if it wins next month’s federal election and we would be hoping for a matching commitment from both parties.

For further information, please contact Mayor Mary Knowles OAM on 0408 766 625.