Delivered under the Launceston City Deal, the project has significantly expanded public access to the city’s free Wi-Fi network.
Popular recreation spots like Riverbend Park, the Cataract Gorge and Waverley Lake were among the last areas connected to what is now Tasmania’s largest local government-managed public Wi-Fi network.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge says the City Deal project put Launceston ahead of many major cities across Australia.
“Fifty new wireless access points have been rolled out across Launceston under the City Deal to see all public spaces in the CBD covered by the network,” Tudge says.
Tasmanian Minister for State Growth and Science and Technology Michael Ferguson says the Wi-Fi expansion forms part of the jointly funded $19.4 million City Heart Project, a centrepiece of the City Deal.
“The City Heart Project is all about redefining central Launceston as a modern regional retail, cultural and business hub by redeveloping critical local infrastructure and supporting events that together are re-energising the city’s centre,” Ferguson says.
“Our joint investment in the City Heart Project has already delivered a much-needed boost to local jobs and the construction sector, with completed works having supported at least 142 positions so far, including 15 trainees or apprentices.”
Mayor of the City of Launceston Albert van Zetten says public Wi-Fi networks were highly utilised by tourists, students and disadvantaged communities.
“This is a fantastic project, made possible by the Launceston City Deal, which will help make our city more accessible to visitors," van Zetten says.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has effectively put our tourism industry on hold, we want to ensure that we are ready to bounce back as a prime tourism destination when the time is right."