State of Markets - TAS February 2013

Fast figures

• $1,300: Median monthly mortgage repayment (Source: ABS)
• 2.4: Average people per household (Source: ABS)
• $200: Median weekly rent (Source: ABS)

Detailed economic strategy launched
The most “detailed and modern” economic strategy has been launched in one state to modernise and grow opportunities, according to the minister for economic development, David O’Byrne.

Mr O’Byrne launched the strategy, Southern Regional Economic Development Plan, for the south of Tasmania yesterday to build onto last year’s Economic Development Plan.

"We must not stand still. The Tasmanian economy must be modernised and diversified," he said

"Our detailed strategies are about playing to each region's natural strengths, and giving us that modern, diverse economy.

"In developing each regional plan, we've talked directly to Tasmanians living, working, studying and investing in each region," Mr O'Byrne said.

Public transport vital for urban future
The minister for sustainable transport, Nick McKim, welcomed the recent State of Australian Cities 2012 report from the Federal Infrastructure and Transport Department.

"This report makes clear that bikes, buses, rail and footpaths are critical to making our city centres liveable, productive and green,” he said

"Well-funded and modern public transport is fundamental to the future of cities like Hobart, and the report states ‘mass transit systems [will] become the only viable solution’ for urban mass transport in the future.

"Foreshadowing a decline in car use, the report singles out the role of rail as being critical for the productivity of cities like Hobart, saying that ‘productivity rates in cities will be increasingly constrained by the capacity of mass transit systems, particularly rail.’”