Greening Launceston

Greening Launceston is one of the projects in the Great Regional City Challenge. Read all about it below.

A greener city is a more liveable and prosperous city

PROBLEM

Studies show convincingly that green cities deliver improvements in health, mental health, the environment and the economy. These all contribute to making the city more liveable, attracting population growth and in turn promoting economic activity.

There has been a resurgent interest in maintaining a city greening program in recent times in Launceston, and indeed Launceston has appeared in the top 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Australia for having the most green cover (2020) ; but importantly, was also listed in the ‘lowest’ category of all urban places facing challenges to maintaining green cover. Clearly more can be done.

FUNDS NEEDED

We seek a grant of $10,000 to develop a social license for a future that envisions a greener city; fosters more robust community discourse around urgent and vigorous continuation of city greening activities, and seeks the endorsement of a greening strategy.

Social license will be gained by a series of workshops, public events, online information portal or other activities designed to build trust, and interest in the subject.

WHY WILL IT SUCCEED

The project team consists of professionals from Launceston Chamber of Commerce, UTAS, NRM North and is supported by subject matter experts from the mainland. The Chamber has a solid and demonstrable history of delivering successful events and programs.

Anecdotal evidence suggests strong community support for the topic, but with little focussed action plan to achieve the desired result.

By providing the Launceston community with adequate economic, social and health evidence, we will stimulate public discourse on the topic, supported by an actionable plan for achievement that leverages The Chamber’s strong advocacy ties to the business community and all levels of government.

Ultimately, we seek to work with the City of Launceston collaboratively to produce an accountable, long-range greening strategy similar to that produced by the Cities of Bendigo (VIC) and Wollongong (NSW). An adequately resourced plan that delivers results for the community, the environment, and business – the so-called triple bottom line.