The Northern Midlands is a prime location for business developments. Factors that assist with attracting new businesses include the geographic location of the area in the heart of the State, the proximity to Launceston and its workforce, the airport and adjacent TRANSlink site, a pro-active Council and quality lifestyle.
Economic development was recognised as a major issue in “Tasmania Together” and this is reflected in Council’s 2007-2017 Strategic Plan in which a number of key selections address economic development issues.
Council is working in partnership with the State Government, the Northern Midlands Business Association (NMBA), the Heritage Highway Tourism Region Association (HHTRA) and Northern Tasmania Development (NTD) to develop an agreed range of strategic initiatives to boost economic growth and employment within the Northern Midlands.
NTD is the northern regional development body established by the eight councils that make up the Northern Tasmanian region. These Councils are Break O'Day, Dorset, Flinders, George Town, Launceston, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands and West Tamar.
We are a hub for local government representatives to come together, we offer intelligence on developments within the area, and we act as a springboard to further information for businesses wishing to invest.
We also manage a number of projects, which are either funded by our shareholder councils, or by State or Federal governments. Examples include the Northern Tasmania Regional Land Use Planning Project funded by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, and the Regional Tourism Initiative funded by Tourism Tasmania.
Our role is to facilitate and coordinate economic and social development. Please find following a link to our website:
The Northern Midlands Business Association was formed in 1999 and welcomes as its members business operators and people interested in economic development in the Northern Midlands.
The association is managed by a Board of nine Directors. For more information on economic development in the Northern Midlands visit www.nmba.asn.au.
Business.tas.gov.au: All your business needs in one place
In late February 2013, the Economic Development Minister, David O'Byrne, launched a one-stop-shop to support Tasmanian businesses online. The Business Tasmania site - www.business.tas.gov.au – provides business information 24/7. It is supported by a team answering online enquiries and taking calls during the day - offering services and ideas to help businesses prosper and create jobs.
The site includes topics as diverse as:
• Starting a business.
• Growing and improving your business.
• Managing customers and suppliers.
• Employing and managing people.
• Finances, tax and insurance.
• Becoming more energy efficient.
• What is e-business?
• How and who to develop a business plan
• Grants and assistance finder
• Links to the Australian Business Account and Australian Business Licence Information Service.
Business operators are being encouraged to provide Business Tasmania with feedback on this one-stop-shop including what’s missing and what needs to be improved. Business Tasmania can be contacted via email: ask@business.tas.gov.au or phone 1800 440 026.
The Northern Midlands has a diverse and expanding economy. There are many business and investment opportunities in most industry sectors, but particularly in the core industries of agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, tourism and services.
Following are examples of successful businesses and industries in the Northern Midlands:
The sustainable competitive business advantages of the Northern Midlands district include:
For more information on economic development in the Northern Midlands visit www.nmba.asn.au