The Tasmanian Government has outlined its $24.5 million Tasmanian Jobs Package, which it says will support the creation of over 3300 jobs and leverage around $375 million in private investment.

 

Premier Lara Giddings said the package is designed to lift confidence and provide an immediate boost to the State’s economy.


The Tasmanian Government is committed to growing jobs and opportunities for Tasmanians," Ms Giddings said.

 

"We have seen the creation of 1400 new jobs since May and more than 2000 direct and indirect jobs have been secured through agreements with major industrial companies like Norske Skog, Pacific Aluminium and BHP Temco.”

 

The package includes:

  • More than doubling the first home owners grant for construction of new homes to $15,000. The First Home Builders Boost will go for 18 months beginning on 1 January 2013 and is estimated to support the construction of 1100 new first homes and the creation of 1800 new jobs.
  • Reintroducing the successful payroll tax rebate for all new jobs created from today up until 30 June 2014 and maintained until 30 June 2015.  This scheme is a proven performer, creating 876 jobs in 2009/10 and 843 jobs in the 2011/12.  Based on previous results it is expected the tax rebate will support the creation of 850 new jobs.
  • $2.5 million in additional funding for the Tasmanian Government Innovation and Investment Fund or TGIIF to leverage around $11 million in private investment and create 170 new jobs.
  • $3 million for community infrastructure including maintenance, renovations and upgrades of Community and Neighbourhood houses. 30 new jobs.
  • $2.8 million investment in Northern infrastructure projects including the Seaport boardwalk expansion, the upgrade of lights at Aurora Stadium and the creation of the Hollybank Mountain Bike Park for the combined creation of 80 new jobs.
  • Tassal processing plant: The State Government is providing a grant of up to $440,000 to assist in the upgrade of infrastructure and systems required for processing at George Town Seafoods. 22 new jobs.
  • Clearing the way for Parliament Square to secure $100 million in private investment and 400 jobs.
  • An additional $1 million for tourism marketing to promote Tasmania and maximise take up of additional airline seats.
  • $400,000 to support the dairy industry's 'Filling the Factories' program which aims to secure another 355 mega litres of milk supply in Tasmania and create 550 on-farm jobs.