Invest in Devonport's Development
Services 70,000 population
Retail and Service Centre for population growth.
- 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
Busiest Freight Port in Tasmania
- 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
Home to Tasmania’s Sea Entrance
- 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
Airport Expansion
- 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 11.3% (2019 – 2023).
- 15,811 people employed in the city.
- Sectors with highest employment are retail and health.
7% population growth over past 5 years
Population Growth
- 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 leisure opportunities
- New $60 Million indoor recreation facility to be constructed
- New $17 Million 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
- Construction Completed
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.
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
Intergrated visual and performing arts centre
Co-locating Tourist Information Centre, Art Gallery and 400 seat theatre.
Completed in 2019
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
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 complete.
Proponent: Councils in NW Tasmania
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
- Construction Completed
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 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
Devonport Showground precinct will be the largest infill development in Tasmania’s history, bringing more than $75 million of direct economic investment to Devonport.
The precinct will deliver more than 200 high quality adaptable homes for purchase or rental. The Showground site presents a significant opportunity to deliver a high-quality, mixture of home typologies that cater for the needs and wants of the broader community.
Devonport Showground will also include community facilities including hospitality and childcare facilities.
Proponent: Simon Want
Estimated Cost: $75M
Devonport’s newest neighbourhood shopping centre is in the planning phase to support the residential growth of Devonport.
The development will include a full line supermarket with an easily accessible, on grade car park. We have your weekly shopping needs covered with a number of specialty stores to service your daily shopping needs.
Estimated Cost: $23M
Estimated Completion: 2027
- Construction Completed
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
Completed: 2023
- Under Construction
$161 M Ship currently on order
Being constructed in Germany
To be delivered in 2026
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.
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
- a children’s play space with adjacent BBQ shelter and public amenities;
- Amphitheatre;
- water and mist feature;
- events space;
- elevated walkway; and
- Rotunda.
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 has grown by 11.3% (2019 – 2023).
- 15,811 people employed in the city.
- Sectors with highest employment are retail and health.
New Facilities
A MORE LIVABLE CITY
- New $60 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.