Launceston mayoral candidate proposes pausing council projects for jobs focus
Tim Walker, running for Launceston mayor, says the council should pause new projects to focus on attracting business and jobs.
Launceston councillor Tim Walker announced a mayoral bid. Walker said the council may need to pause projects due to economic downturn.
A smelter closed in Bell Bay. Boag's brewery shut.
Hawthorn AFL games ended. Walker wants to pause two-way streets, the St John Street bus interchange, the Princess Theatre and NTCA ground projects because they don't create jobs.
Instead, Tim Walker plans an economic development group to attract business investment. Walker criticized past council spending on festivals like a million-dollar Foo Fighters concert, calling it bread and circuses.
He quoted Roman poet Juvenal. Launceston needs jobs, Walker said.
It needs industrial development. He proposes opening some light industrial land at a discount to attract new business.
Why it mattersAs northern Tasmania's economy falters, voters must decide whether to keep building cultural amenities or shift focus entirely to attracting jobs and investment.
AustraliaLaunceston residents will vote in 2026 on whether to suspend planned council projects and focus spending on economic development to stem job losses.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
