2016-03-05
Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson comments on the Greens delivering $3 million in federal funding to set up the Launceston Macquarie House Innovation Hub, and the welcomes news that the Tasmanian government and the UTAS are committing funding and resources to operating innovation hubs in Tasmania.
“The Greens are excited the state government and UTAS are contributing funds and resources to help operate new innovation hubs in Tasmania.
“The Greens worked closely with stakeholders to deliver a $3 million federal funding allocation in 2013 to renovate, modernise and equip historic Macquarie House in the centre of Launceston to become a co-working centre of innovation, energy and excellence.
“As someone who has been with this project since the start, I’m glad it t has now jumped its final hurdles and I thank UTAS and state government for getting on board with the community.
“Although only $300,000 of the $3 million federal funding allocation has been spent to date, on architecture and planning for the Macquarie House development, I’m confident that given this exciting news the Federal government will immediately release the remaining monies necessary to finish the project.
“Tasmanians want to see their political representatives working together to deliver for their communities rather than playing the politics of division, and this project is a rare example of all political parties coming together to support community and economic development.
“This kind of collaborative infrastructure will leverage Tasmania’s rare fibre to the home broadband advantage, allow tourists to book working holidays and spend more time in Tassie, as well as provide pathways for businesses and young Tasmanians to collaborate on innovation, creativity and technology.
“Building communities and an innovative culture is exactly what we need to be doing to keep more young people in Tassie, keep tourists here longer, and help dynamic small businesses relocate to Tasmania,” he concluded.
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Links to the Senator's involvement in the Catalyst Project is Here, here, here and here.