Launceston Housing Plan

The City of Launceston has prepared a new Housing Plan to guide residential development across the municipality over the next 15 years. This new plan seeks to increase the number of homes, provide more choice, and increase affordability while protecting what our community loves about Launceston.

Our vision for housing in Launceston is to "deliver homes for every stage of life while protecting what we love and enriching every suburb".

Our vision is underpinned by four key principles:

  1. Strong supply: Increase housing variety to better meet the needs of different households and unleash supply.
  2. Enrich our Neighbourhoods: Encourage sustainable, well-designed housing that integrates with local character and supports inclusive communities.
  3. Collaborate with Partners: Leverage collaborations between government, developers, and community organisations to accelerate housing delivery.
  4. Align investment with development: Prioritise resources for infrastructure and services that support liveable, well-connected communities.


Download the draft Launceston Housing Plan 2025 - 2040 via the link below:

Draft Launceston Housing Plan 2025 - 2040(PDF, 8MB)

Draft Launceston Housing Plan Appendices(PDF, 1MB)

Have Your Say
The City of Launceston is inviting residents to review and share their thoughts on the draft Launceston Housing Plan 2025 - 2040, via the link below:  Housing Plan - Tomorrow Together

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need a housing plan for Launceston?

Council last prepared and adopted a residential strategy in 2009. Since adoption, the economic, demographic and settlement patterns of Tasmania have significantly changed.

It was determined that an updated housing plan that reflected more contemporary housing requirements was needed to address the changing housing landscape.

What are Launceston's key housing challenges?

Launceston, as well as Tasmanian more broadly, has seen significant changes in population and the housing market. These have resulted in the following challenges arising:

Affordability: The rise in housing costs since 2019 has intensified. It is now harder to find affordable rental accommodation and homes for purchase.

Growing inequality: Launceston is experiencing housing inequality. People on lower incomes are facing escalating disadvantage. Housing insecurity impacts social cohesion and economic participation.

Shortage of new homes: A lack of forward planning and new infrastructure have limited development and pushed growth to suburbs that are further from the services of Launceston.

Lack of diversity: In terms of housing, one size does not fit all. Most new housing in Launceston continues to be houses with backyards. Retired and young people do not necessarily desire this kind of home but have trouble finding other options.

What role does council play?

Councils have a major role to play in housing delivery as the level of government responsible for determining where homes, businesses and services should be located. It is also the role of council to review proposed developments against the planning scheme. These functions can influence the local housing market.

It should be noted that most councils do not construct and deliver houses to the market, with this being provided through private entities such as developers or property owners, and State agencies, such as Homes Tasmania.

How will the housing plan be implemented?

The housing plan outlines how Launceston will meet the housing needs of its community over the next 15 years.

The housing plan will be implemented through several key projects, including neighbourhood planning, outlined in the action plan.

Check out the current Neighbourhood Plan for St Leonards and Waverley.

 

Launceston Residential Strategy

Council last prepared and adopted a residential strategy in 2009. Since adoption, the economic, demographic and settlement patterns of Tasmania have significantly changed. It was determined that an updated housing plan that reflected more contemporary housing requirements was needed to address the changing housing landscape.

The Launceston Residential Housing Strategy is available to download via the link below:

Launceston Residential Strategy 2009-2029(PDF, 18MB)

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