Liveability is recognised worldwide as an important influence on the economic growth and development of regions. Issues such as access to services, infrastructure, amenities, transport, workforce availability, job and career opportunities, health and education facilities, housing and the opportunity for cultural and sporting pursuits are important considerations for both individuals and investors in choosing a location to reside or operate a business. Liveable places also attract and retain highly skilled, productive and creative people who drive innovation and economic growth.

Tasmania's exceptional natural heritage, its diverse range of arts and cultural experiences, its lifestyle and its public open spaces are advantages that help to make the state one of the most liveable places. Promoting these strengths will be an important element in encouraging economic growth and development, particularly in regional areas, as an important contributor to population growth.

The Digital Futures Strategy will significantly contribute to liveability in regional communities. By providing uniform access across the state, the NBN opens up opportunities for new businesses, and for people to live where they choose and connect with the world via the internet.

The government is committed to improving Tasmania's liveability and has already recognised the importance of Tasmania's lifestyle advantages within the Innovation Strategy. A discussion paper, Tasmania: a remarkably liveable place, has been developed to support engagement with the Tasmanian community, with a view to developing a Tasmanian Liveability Strategy.

The development of this strategy will be progressed during 2011-12 and will provide an opportunity to articulate what we have already achieved, as well as identify the priorities we must address to continue to develop Tasmania as one of the world's most liveable places. Initiatives within the Liveability Strategy include:

• A new Liveable Places Program that will, in partnership with local councils, undertake a number of early steps to improve the liveability of our towns or regions. Stakeholders will be further consulted on the design of the program.
  
• The Tasmania Now website, which will be launched in 2011-12, will provide a means to ensure people elsewhere have a contemporary perception of Tasmania and promote the state as an attractive place to live, work and invest. The website will be redeveloped as an important resource for use by the government, local councils, employment agencies, industry associations and other groups that are actively involved in promoting the state.