ScoMo labels new ‘Enterprize’ Hub a step forward for Tasmania

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has labelled Tasmania the “turnaround state” in his brief stop-off in Tasmania’s North on Saturday.

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has labelled Tasmania the “turnaround state” in his brief stop-off in Tasmania’s North on Saturday.

In cutting the tape to officially mark the regeneration of the 190-year-old Macquarie House at Launceston, Mr Morrison described the site’s unveiling as “a statement about the future of Tasmania”.

Macquarie House, originally built in 1829, has been reshaped into the Launceston Enterprize Hub — an innovation, entrepreneurship and technology space.

The four-level sandstone brick building has been fully restored and taken back to its original open floor configuration from the days when provisions were housed there ahead of the first settlement of Melbourne.

“What’s being launched here is an entrepreneurial spirit in the go-getting nature of Tasmanians and particularly here in Northern Tasmania,” Mr Morrison said.

“The Government is backing this in with a $2.8 million investment at Macquarie House. It is a case of old meets new, with tremendous history … and exciting times for the future.

“This is the turnaround state and this initiative is an important part of that turnaround in the state’s North.”

He said the development sent a message of renewal, growth and economic opportunity.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Will Hodgman arrive to officially open Macquarie House in Launceston which has been converted into a coworking space. Picture: PATRICK GEE

The project was funded under the government’s $106.5m Tasmania jobs and growth package after Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson secured the initial $3m funding for the project six years ago under the Gillard-Labor Government.

The Launceston City Council provided over $500,000 to the project.

Mr Whish-Wilson, who joined Mr Morrison, Premier Will Hodgman for the hub’s opening, said the project marked good political partnerships.

Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson who secured federal funding for the renovation and reuse of Macquarie House in Launceston which was officially opened as a coworking space by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“The important message from today is that all political parties can work together, collaboratively, to deliver for their communities — this is what voters expect from us,” he said.

“While the Greens secured the initial funding for this project in a deal with the Gillard government, both Labor and the Liberals have committed to seeing the project come to fruition over the last five years.”

Liberal member for Bass Bridget Archer and Launceston Mayor Albert Van Zetten also attended the hub’s opening.

Mr Whish-Wilson said the investment in training would help retain young Tasmanians in the state.

“When I secured the original funding, my kids were 12 and 13 — they are now 18 and 19 — and like many Tasmanian parents I want to see young Tasmanians stay in our state because we have invested in training and opportunities for employment in the new economy.”