The precinct could include luxury accommodation, thermal bathing pools, spas, health retreats and longevity programs.
“The wellness precinct is a key initiative under our Northern Economic Plan and reflects the shared ambition to create new opportunities for investment, jobs and year-round visitation,” said Tasmania’s Premier, Jeremy Rockliff.
“Visitors are looking for opportunities to disconnect, recharge and reconnect with nature.
“Northern Tasmania has what many destinations can only dream of. Clean air, pristine water, stunning landscapes, world-class food and wine, and a lifestyle that is the envy of the nation.
“We will work with industry on proposals that can be delivered on Crown land in Northern Tasmania, strengthening the region’s position as Australia’s premier wellness destination.
The premier said the just-released economic plan for Northern Tasmania aimed to identify both the projects and industries that will shape the economy of the region in the future.
“A wellness precinct has the potential to attract private investment, support local businesses, create jobs and further strengthen Northern Tasmania’s reputation as a premium place to visit, live and invest,” he said.
The state government is promising planning support for the winning proposal.
Chief executive of the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, Amy Hills. believes the visitor economy will play a more important part in the region’s future economy than it does today.
“The potential for northern Tasmania’s visitor economy is immense, supported by increased self-drive visitors coming off our new Spirits and driven by an increased and carefully targeted business events market supported by the right infrastructure,” said Hills.
“Northern Tasmania can build a future powered by the visitor economy, benefitting both residents and visitors alike, because everything we invest in to improve our visitor economy also benefits Tasmanians.”
The expression of interest process for the wellness precinct will open next month and run for around three months.
Launceston, the largest city in northern Tasmania, is set to get a convention centre, with the state government pledging $10 million to the project.
