Councillor Alan Harris - City of Launceston

15/06/2026

After lunch today, I paid a visit to Jane Treacy at Swirlz Launceston to discuss the recent speculation surrounding the potential closure of the business, attributed to decreased trade resulting from the ongoing Princess Theatre upgrade works.

As I waited for over half an hour, I observed a steady stream of customers visiting the shop. Like many, I was there to lend support to this Launceston institution, which has become synonymous with the area, particularly for those visiting the Princess Theatre.

While the current level of trade is appreciated, it is crucial that local businesses like Swirlz receive ongoing support to ensure their viability. If you're in the area, I recommend visiting Swirlz in Brisbane St to sample their milkshakes, hot dogs, or self-selected sweets.

12/06/2026

Do you live in Newnham, Alanvale or Rocherlea? If so, this is great opportunity to see how the development of these suburbs is currently being planned and provide your feedback direct to those who have the greatest influence in how it will look in the future.

From I've seen so far, it will provide around 1400 new homes, a new retail shopping area and new recreational trails to connect residents to their nearby neighbours.

Have your say on the Alanvale Neighbourhood Plan. Come and talk with us in person this Monday.

Community drop in session
15 June 2026
4–6pm
Brooks High School (Gymnasium foyer)
215 George Town Road, Newnham
Drop in anytime to speak directly with our planning team.

Can’t make it? Review the draft and share your feedback online:
tomorrowtogetherlaunceston.com.au/alanvale-neighbourhood-plan

31/05/2026

It was my pleasure to volunteer again for the McGrath Launceston Running Festival as a representative of Rotary, an event where over 4000 runners recorded outstanding performances on a course that has earned the distinction of being Australia's fastest half marathon.

I would like to thank the members of the Rotary Club of Central Launceston who assisted around the course to help keep all participants safe.

27/05/2026

Something to be aware of when live testing of this important new service happens at 11.00am on the 15th of June.

Please take the opportunity between now and then to tell those who aren't on social media or have regular access to traditional media such as newspapers etc. that this testing will occur and not to be alarmed by it.

AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.

It will be ready to use in October 2026, but before it launches, we need to test the system in communities across Australia, and Launceston, Tasmania has been chosen as a test location.

Around 11 am on Monday 15 June 2026 if you are in or around Launceston, your mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and smart watches, may receive a test alert.

The AusAlert test in your area is a Priority Alert. It will vibrate and include a loud siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds. If receiving the test could disrupt you or cause you or someone you know to feel unsafe, visit the AusAlert website at ausalert.gov.au to find out how to turn a Priority Alert off on your device.

As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything, but in an actual disaster you should follow the alert instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

To learn what an AusAlert sounds like, visit ausalert.gov.au

27/05/2026

I was asked recently, what's happening to the Park St toilets?

Here's the Council's offical response about the replacement timeline and where the funding came from.

The City of Launceston is currently upgrading the existing Park Street amenities block at Royal Park. The project involves the demolition of the current toilet block and the installation of a new prefabricated amenities facility. The upgraded facilities are expected to open in July 2026.

🚻 The toilets are currently unavailable due to upgrade works. Portable toilets are available on-site, including a DDA‑compliant accessible portable toilet.
A map of accessible public toilets is available here: toiletmap.gov.au

⚠ Lighting at the Park Street / Royal Park car park has been impacted by the works and is operating at a lower lighting level until Friday 29 May. Users of the car park are encouraged to take extra care when accessing the area during low‑light conditions.

The upgraded block will include five single toilet cubicles, one DDA‑compliant accessible toilet and one Changing Places facility. A Changing Places facility is a fully equipped public bathroom designed for people with high support needs. It includes a height‑adjustable adult‑sized changing bench and a ceiling‑mounted hoist, along with a toilet and shower, providing a safe, dignified and inclusive space that goes beyond standard accessible toilets.

Funding for this facility has been secured through a Department of Premier and Cabinet grant.

🔗 For more information and updates about the project, go to: www.launceston.tas.gov.au/Park-Street-Amenities-Block-Upgrade

27/05/2026

The State Government has commenced construction of three key safety improvements at the Kings Meadows Link Road and Midlands Highway intersection. These upgrades address safety concerns I highlighted over five years ago as Chairman of the Council's Safer Community Committee.

The works include:
1. An extended queueing lane for vehicles exiting the Midlands Highway to access the roundabout, mitigating rear-end collision risks.
2. Demand-activated traffic lights at the roundabout, giving priority to highway exit traffic when required, while operating under standard roundabout rules during light traffic.
3. A new slip lane for southbound Midlands Highway traffic to exit before the roundabout, reducing traffic volume.

Delays are anticipated during the construction period.

22/05/2026

Here's your chance to see the TSO and some amazing singers in the restored Albert Hall on Saturday night.

FINAL TICKET RELEASE | Featuring the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra alongside the nation’s brightest musical theatre stars from the Australian Musical Theatre Festival, this is the symphonic musical theatre event of the year that you do not want to miss! Hurry, we’ve just released the very last tickets for Saturday’s show, and these will not last long! Tickets and details>> https://theatrenorth.com.au/season-broadway-showstoppers-26

Saturday 23 May, 7:30 PM | Albert Hall Launceston

21/05/2026

Councillors were invited to inspect the Princess Theatre demolition site prior to the start of the rebuilding process.

The site demonstrated a mix of older construction materials and techniques, along with the foyer’s terrazzo tiles, which were found to be in good condition after the removal of the covering carpet and glue.

Following an extensive 18-month construction period, the theatre’s renovation is scheduled for completion in early 2028 and I can't wait to see it!

21/05/2026

As a Councillor, I have the privilege of attending various events in our city that might not be part of my usual schedule.
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Australian Musical Theatre Festival event 'Well Behaved Women' for the first time, and I must say, it was truly exceptional. I highly recommend it to fans of Encore Theatre Company productions.
The Australian Musical Theatre Festival was founded in Launceston in 2019, and this year's festival runs until Sunday, featuring performances at the Albert Hall and other venues around the city.
Tickets are nearly sold out, so I encourage interested patrons to visit Theatre North to book their seats. Encore Theatre Company

20/05/2026

Long overdue changes to the Kings Meadows Connector roundabout are about to start. There will be new volume activated traffic lights on the roundabout and a slip lane for traffic heading south towards the airport,to be able to avoid the traffic lights altogether.

So be prepared for some additional delays as the work gets underway because it will ultimately help improve the safety and travelling times for those turning off the Southern Outlet towards Kings Meadows.