New Convention Centre for Northern Tasmania

Media Release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 24 February 2026

Unlocking a New Era for Northern Tasmania’s Visitor Economy

A purpose-built $35 million convention centre will be built in Launceston, unlocking a new era of opportunity for business events in the North.

Business events inject nearly $200 million into Tasmania’s economy each year and demand is growing.

A study by Visit Northern Tasmania found a new purpose-built facility in Launceston would double business events in the North, resulting in nearly $30 million of additional economic activity to the region.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff today announced the Tasmanian Government will invest $10 million into the project.

“We are proud to be partnering with JMC and the City of Launceston to deliver a new convention centre for Northern Tasmania,” Premier Rockliff said.

“This job-creating and economy-boosting development will unlock a new era of opportunity for Northern Tasmania by positioning the region as a must-visit destination for business events.

“It will generate tens of thousands of additional visitor nights, delivering significant flow on benefits for hotels, hospitality, retail and tourism operators.

“There will also be opportunities across high growth sectors including health, defence, advanced manufacturing, green energy, agriculture and science.

“The Tasmanian Government has negotiated access to the convention space for the first decade of operations, to enable more events to be held in the region and enhance the return on investment.”

The convention centre will be the catalyst for further development, including infrastructure such as hotels, and the remediated Kings Wharf boardwalk.

Last year alone, 25,000 people attended business events in Tasmania – up 20 per cent on 2024.

The industry supports about 1000 jobs statewide, and more than 90 per cent of delegates travel from interstate or overseas, staying longer, spending more and returning again.

“Our Liberal Government is delivering for Tasmania by unlocking economic development, supporting jobs and backing businesses,” Premier Rockliff said.

Media Release – Business Events Tasmania, 24 February 2026

Convention Centre Investment Must be Matched by Event Attraction Funding

Business Events Tasmania has welcomed the Government’s commitment to a new convention centre in Launceston, calling it a major step forward for Northern Tasmania’s visitor economy.

CEO Marnie Craig said the facility would significantly strengthen the state’s ability to compete for national conferences and corporate events that currently bypass the north due to infrastructure constraints.

“Business events play crucial role in Tasmania’s visitor economy, especially in winter when the industry really needs a boost. Delegates stay longer, spend more and support local hotels, restaurants and regional operators,” Ms Craig said.

“We’re seeing record results for business events, but we know that we can do better and this new facility will be a game-changer, particularly for the north.

“While a convention centre gives us the platform to grow further, infrastructure alone is not enough. We must invest in the business events sector so we can make sure the new venue is full, from day one. We need to act now, because it can take at least two years to develop a program of events to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Media Release – Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, 24 February 2026

Convention Centre Welcome, Now Time to Build Demand

The Tourism Industry Council Tasmania has welcomed the Government’s commitment to a new convention centre in Launceston, describing it as important enabling infrastructure for Northern Tasmania.

CEO Amy Hills said conference delegates provide strong economic returns and help drive visitation outside peak leisure periods.

“Northern Tasmania is a key driver of our visitor economy. Strengthening its ability to host business events will support accommodation, hospitality and regional tourism businesses right across the north and north west,” Ms Hills said.

However, Ms Hills said capital investment must be matched by sustained funding for tourism marketing and event attraction.

“A convention centre creates capacity. Ongoing investment in tourism and business events ensures that capacity is utilised.

“At a time when other states are increasing investment to grow their visitor economies, Tasmania must ensure we are backing both infrastructure and demand.

“We look forward to working with Government to ensure the project delivers long term regional growth and strong returns for the visitor economy.”

Newsletter Item – Launceston Chamber of Commerce, 26 February 2026

A Defining Investment in Launceston’s Future – Convention Centre

The Tasmanian Government’s commitment to invest $10 million toward a new $35 million purpose-built convention centre in Launceston marks a major milestone for Northern Tasmania.

This is more than a building – it is economic infrastructure.

Business events already contribute nearly $200 million annually to Tasmania’s economy. A new convention facility in Launceston is projected to double business events in the North and generate an additional $30 million in regional economic activity.

Importantly, this announcement reflects genuine collaboration – private sector leadership from Errol Stewart, strong investment from the State Government and City of Launceston, and coordinated effort with Visit Northern Tasmania and Business Events Tasmania – with [the Launceston Chamber of Commerce] clearly in the midst of the action, advocating for outcomes that benefit our members.

The opportunity is clear. Now the focus turns to ensuring our businesses are ready to capture the demand this investment will generate.

[The Launceston Chamber of Commerce] welcomes your input as [it] shape the next phase of advocacy and planning.

Click here for more on next steps.