Invest in Devonport's Development
Services 70,000 population
- 70,000 people live within 35kms of Devonport CBD
- Devonport positioning itself as Retail and Service Centre for the Region.
- Independent Retail Study commissioned highlights need for 17,000m2 new retail by 2036 – PDF.
- New Local Neighbourhood Centre proposed at Stony Rise Road.
- Tourist numbers increasing – New 187 Room Novotel Hotel opened in 2022.
50% of State’s Freight
- More than 50% of Tasmania’s containerised Freight lands in Devonport (304,865 TEUs 2021/2022) on 867 Vessels
- Projected 40% increase in freight to/from Devonport
- TasPorts investing $240 million to expand operations in Devonport.
- New $116M vessel on order.
450,000 passengers every year
- 450,000 passengers arrive annually via Ferry into Devonport
- New larger Spirits of Tasmania on order to arrive in 2024 (link to New Ships | Launching in 2024 | Spirit of Tasmania)
- Additional 160,000 passengers annually into Devonport
6 return passenger flights daily
- State’s Third Largest Airline
- Serviced by two passenger airlines (Qantas and Rex)
- 6 return passenger flights daily
- Daily freight services
- New Devonport Masterplan released (Devonport-Airport-MasterPlan-November-2022.pdf (dpoairport.au))
GDP $3,450M (Devonport Region)
- Devonport’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing faster than State average.
- GDP Devonport region $3.5 billion
- New agricultural irrigation project to inject $104 million in economy every year (Don – Tasmanian Irrigation)
- Diversified industry base.
- Retail precinct in Devonport undergoing development.
- Employment has grown by 9.5% (2016 – 2021)
- 12,688 people employed in the city
- Sectors with highest employment are retail and health
7% population growth over past 5 years
- 7% population growth in five years
- Residential Growth Strategy planning for population of 30,000 by 2030
- Population of 35,000 by 2040
- 1,900 new houses to be built by 2030
- New $25Million indoor recreation facility to be constructed
- New $17Million waterfront Park recently completed
- New Food pavilion showcasing local food and beverage
As the land gateway into Tasmania and the epicentre of significant infrastructure investment, Devonport is transforming into a place of growth and long-term prosperity.
Devonport has a diversified economy based on the traditional sectors of Retail Trade, Health Care and Social Services, Manufacturing, and Freight. With LIVING CITY, Devonport is emerging as the service, retail, tourism and cultural capital of North West Tasmania. This is creating rapidly growing opportunities in our traditional sectors as well as Accommodation and Food Services, Education, Construction and Professional Services industries – Devonport is now a compelling option for business investment.
Download the City of Connection – Invest Devonport Business Prospectus here.
Devonport Projects
- Under Construction
Devonport QuayLink
Devonport is already the Busiest Freight Port in Tasmania, handling more than 50% of the islands trade.
QuayLink is infrastructure development project, which will see an investment of $240 million to further upgrade capacity at the Port of Devonport.
QuayLink will future-proof Devonport as a tourism and freight gateway for the next 50 years.
Proponent: TasPorts
Cost: $240M
Estimated Completion: June 2027
- Under Construction
New Passenger Ships
The Tasmanian State Government have ordered two brand new passenger ferries to link Devonport with Victoria.
These ferries will have a 40% larger capacity than the current ships.
They will transport an additional 160,000 people to Devonport annually.
Proponent: Tasmanian State Government
Cost: $855M
Estimated Completion: late 2024
- Under Construction
New larger Roll on Roll Off Freight Ship
$161 M Ship currently on order
Being constructed in Germany
To be delivered in 2024
The vessel will have a capacity of 4,227 lane metres and capability to transport heavy cargo with a unit weight of up to 100 tonnes.
It will work alongside the SeaRoad Mersey II.
- Under Construction
Sound and Light Show
An nightly show to be located within the new Waterfront Park Precinct, this new experience will provide evening entertainment for tourists and residents alike.
Drawing inspiration from our unique region, the Devonport Sound & Light Show will create an immersive visual and sculptural performance that exalts the beauty of our alpine region, farmland, the city of Devonport and the importance of the Mersey and Don Rivers as they flow into Bass Strait.
Proponent: Devonport City Council
Cost: $3M
Estimated Completion: December 2023
- Under Construction
New Indoor Sports Stadium
A new sports stadium will replace Devonport’s aging facilities. The Indoor space will include spaces for a range of popular sports in Devonport
Proponent: Devonport City Council
Cost: $25M
Estimated Completion: December 2025
- Under Construction
Don Lillico Irrigation Scheme
The Don Lillico Irrigation Scheme is intended to deliver high-surety irrigation water to Don, Lillico, Forth, Forthside, Melrose, Lower Barrington, Barrington, Sheffield and West Kentish in North-Western Tasmania.
The Don Irrigation Scheme is currently under construction and will involve the laying of 53km of pipeline and the construction of three pump stations.
The Business case for the Don Irrigation Scheme estimated approximately 60 jobs will be created during construction and a further 48 direct and indirect jobs once the scheme is operational. The project is also expected to return a $104.52 million economic benefit to the community annually.
Proponent: Tas Irrigation
Operational by summer: 2023/2024
- Under Construction
State Entry Point Project
The State Vehicle Entry Point Project aims to beautify the Tasmanian sea entrance at East Devonport to create a
welcoming environment, encouraging visitors to explore the North West to experience the
high-quality attractions available.
Funding Body: Australian Government
Cost: $3M
Estimated Completion: March 2024
- Under Construction
Coastal Pathway
Cycle pathway that links towns and cities along an 110km route from Latrobe to Wynyard. Once complete, it will provide outstanding infrastructure for our region and connect more than 85,000 residents.
The cycleway between Devonport and Latrobe is already complete.
The cycleway between Devonport and Ulverstone is currently under construction.
Proponent: Councils in NW Tasmania
- Construction Completed
Living City Stage 1
Living City is Devonport’s urban renewal project. Adopted in 2014, Council has spent the past 8 years delivering the strategy.
Stage 1 included: the paranaple Centre, a multi-purpose civic building, containing a state-of-the-art Library, integrated customer service centre including Service Tasmania, a café, Devonport Online, Council offices and an 800-seat conference centre; food pavilion which showcases the region’s premium produce through restaurants, a distillery, a brewery, accredited training facilities and market spaces; a 500 space multi-level car park; and the paranaple Arts Centre, co-locating the Devonport theatre, Devonport Art Gallery and Visitor Information Centre to form an integrated arts and visitor centre.
Proponent: Devonport City Council
Cost: $71M
Completed: 2018
- Construction Completed
paranaple Convention Centre
Multi room convention centre
800 square metre auditorium with spectacular north facing floor to ceiling windows taking in view of the Mersey river out to Bass Strait.
Seating up to 800 in theatre style or 450 in banquet style
Smaller break out rooms available
Magnificent views over the Mersey River
Completed: in 2018
- Construction Completed
paranaple Arts Centre
Intergrated visual and performing arts centre
Co-locating Tourist Information Centre, Art Gallery and 400 seat theatre.
Completed: in 2019
- Construction Completed
LIVING CITY – Southern CBD
LIVING CITY is more than new buildings. LIVING CITY provides new opportunities, new tourist drawcards and new experiences.
Devonport’s Southern CBD has been identified as a suitable precinct for future business, professional and mixed use development.
In late 2016 TasWater opened their new state-wide network operations and customer service centre in the precinct, bringing with them over 100 additional workers to the Devonport CBD.
To boost car parking capacity within the precinct, in January 2017 Council opened a new 96 space car park, situated between King and Steele Streets.
The creation of business activity in the southern CBD is ongoing.
- Construction Completed
LIVING CITY – Stage 2 Waterfront Precinct
The Waterfront Precinct is the jewel in the Crown of the LIVING CITY Masterplan.
It is the realisation of the City’s long held desire to link the Mall with the magnificent Mersey River.
The Waterfront Park consists of:
- a children’s play space with adjacent BBQ shelter and public amenities;
- Amphitheatre;
- water and mist feature;
- events space;
- elevated walkway; and
- Rotunda.
The Waterfront Park opened in February 2023.
Devonport City Council ($17M – Waterfront Park)
- Construction Completed
Novotel Hotel
- 187 Room Novotel Hotel
- Opened October 2022
- Conceptualised as part of the LIVING CITY strategy,
- Located in the heart of the City, linking the tourism, hopsitality and business facilities created in stage 1 of LIVING CITY.
Invest in Devonport
DEVONPORT’s FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Stronger Economy
DEVONPORT PORT
- Busiest freight port in Tasmania.
- Home to over 50% of State’s exports/imports.
- TasPorts investing $240 million to expand operations.
TOURIST GATEWAY OPPORTUNITIES
- New Spirits of Tasmania arriving 2024.
- Additional 160,000 passengers annually into Devonport.
- State’s third largest airport – six return flights daily to Melbourne.
MORE $$$ IN LOCAL ECONOMY
- Devonport’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing faster than State average.
- GDP Devonport region $3.5 billion.
LEADERS IN AGRICULTURE
- Massive investment in agricultural irrigation projects to inject $104 million in economy every year.
- Expanding food manufacturing hub.
More Jobs
EMPLOYMENT IS GROWING
- Employment has grown by 9.5% (2016-2021).
- 12,688 people employed in the city.
- Sectors with highest employment are retail and health.
New Facilities
A MORE LIVABLE CITY
- New $25 million indoor recreation facility to be constructed.
- New $17 million waterfront park complete.
- Retail expansion forecast.
COMPLETED LIVING CITY PROJECTS
- Contemporary conference and events venue.
- Combined arts and tourism centre.
- All-weather modern pavilion showcasing local food and beverage.
LIVING CITY CONTINUES
- Fenton Way mixed use area in planning stages (stage 3).
- Exploring opportunities for Council- owned land in CBD.
TOURISM BOOST
- New $49 million Novotel Hotel.
- Home Hill revamp project.
- State Vehicle Entry Beautification Project.
Population Growth
DEVONPORT IS GROWING
- 7% population growth in five years.
- Residential Growth Strategy planning for population of 30,000 by 2030.
- Population of 35,000 by 2035.
- 1,900 new houses to be built by 2030.
- 70,000 people live within 35kms of Devonport CBD.
- Retail and service centre for region.
- Flow-on effects include more jobs, economy boost.