The City of Launceston wants to hear from residents, landowners, stakeholders, developers, and service providers to help shape the future of St Leonards and Waverley.
After being endorsed at today's Council Meeting, consultation is now open on the City of Launceston's draft St Leonards and Waverley Neighbourhood Plan.
Feedback can be provided online via the Council's engagement platform Tomorrow Together, or in person at the community pop-up events and workshop that will be facilitated by the Council in April.
The plan sets out a vision aimed at shaping the growth and development of St Leonards and Waverley over the next 30 years. City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the Council recognised St Leonards and Waverley as a dynamic growth corridor and residential hotpot, balancing new development with the area's semi-rural charm.
"Developed collaboratively by Council staff and technical experts using the initial input we received from the local community, the St Leonards and Waverley Neighbourhood Plan aims to create sustainable, connected, and vibrant communities while also respecting the area's natural environment and heritage," Mayor Garwood said.
"We're excited to share this draft plan and learn more about the community's views on the future of these important residential hotspots. "The draft plan is designed to be a roadmap for sustainable growth that reflects both the needs of residents and the unique character of St Leonards and Waverley.
"We want to hear from the people who live, work, visit and invest in these areas to make sure we get it right."
Key highlights of the draft Neighbourhood Plan include:
• Sustainable Growth: Identifying areas for diverse housing options, such as townhouses and units, while preserving natural features like waterways, vegetation, and topography. Future investigation areas will explore industrial and low-density residential opportunities, guided by land capability assessments.
• Connected Communities: Enhancing transport links, walkability, and cycling routes, including upgrades to St Leonards Road and the Tasman Highway Reserve, alongside a proposed highamenity green-link connection across the growth area.
• Vibrant Places: Creating community hubs with open spaces, local amenities, and activity centres, such as the planned St Leonards Village Masterplan, to foster an inclusive and thriving neighbourhood.
The plan will also include an Infrastructure Funding Framework to outline how future roads, recreation facilities, and other essential infrastructure will be delivered and funded, ensuring development progresses responsibly.
Catalyst projects — including priority rezoning and preparing the St Leonards Village masterplan — are proposed to kickstart the vision.
"This is a chance for the community to shape the future of St Leonards and Waverley," Mayor Garwood said.
"We want your views on housing, transport, and local amenities to help us refine the plan before it's finalised."
The Neighbourhood Plan aligns with the Greater Launceston Plan 2014 and the Northern Tasmanian Regional Land Use Strategy 2021, reinforcing St Leonards and Waverley as identified key growth areas.
Public consultation is open until April 29 and feedback received will help inform the finalised plan to be considered by Councillors later this year.
The draft St Leonards and Waverley Neighbourhood Plan is available to view and provide feedback at www.tomorrowtogetherlaunceston.com.au
