A re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal Government will invest to keep our parks and environment strong.

“With more than 50 per cent of our natural environment protected forever in parks and reserves, Tasmania’s world-class parks and globally significant natural environment is the jewel in our State’s crown,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.

“From the rugged south-west wilderness through to the iconic Cradle Mountain, picture-perfect Bay of Fires and everywhere in between, our natural environment is something we are all so proud of.

“Our Parks and natural environment are also a competitive strength of Tasmania, and form the basis of the 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy.

“A re-elected majority Liberal Government will invest to enhance the visitor experience for visitors and locals alike, with new funding of $15 million allocated for major upgrades at Mount Field, the Nut State Reserve, and the Dial Range.

MOUNT FIELD: Improved access and transport options from the Visitor Centre to Lake Dobson. We will also invest in upgrading tracks in the alpine area and provide small-scale public huts for walkers.

NUT STATE RESERVE: Improved signage and interpretation, delineate vehicle and pedestrian access, including developing a separate walking track from Godfrey’s Beach to the summit track. We will also establish a walking track from the visitor car park to the wharf; install an all-abilities access section of the summit track to the base of the ascent to enrich the visitor experience; and replace the easternmost lookout with a cantilevered lookout.

DIAL RANGE: Develop a range of loop walks that offer a variety of features, difficulties and distance from key trailheads, with walks commencing from Mt Montgomery and Ferndene trailheads a priority. We will also re-route sections of the Mt Dial Summit track (from the Mt Montgomery side) to capitalise on better view fields, scenic highlights and appropriate gradients; identify opportunities for mountain bike trails; and improve the Mt Montgomery and Mt Gnomon car park facilities following site plans. These things will all enhance the visitor experience.

A re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal Government will also create a free, Statewide Camping System for information and booking campsites in parks and reserves.

“An easy to use free App will be developed to provide a single source of information on campsites in our parks and reserves. This will make it easier and simpler to plan camping trips and book campsites," Premier Rockliff said

"It will also provide options if the first preference in an area is booked out will provide a seamless experience for visitors planning their camping holidays. This is a free resource to support campers."

Minister for Parks, Nick Duigan, said new investments build on more than $90 million in investment in our parks and reserves already underway across the State, including:

• A further $14 million investment into the iconic Freycinet National Park and a new Visitor Gateway;
• Supporting tourism on Flinders Island with a $900,000 upgrade for camping and RV access;
• Turning Ben Lomond into a year-round destination with a $2.8 million investment;
• Re-imagining Hastings Thermal Pool with a $3 million investment;
• Funding for the Maria Island Re-discovered Project, with $6.8 million for Stage 3;
• Boardwalk replacement of the outstanding Tamar Island Wetlands Centre, with an investment of $2.8 million;
• Cockle Creek camp site upgrades, with funding of $3 million;
• Investing in picturesque Cape Bruny, with a $1.7 million upgrade;
• Revitalising the ‘Edge of the World’ experience at Arthur River, with funding of $2.75 million;
• Completing Horsetail Falls Trail at Queenstown, with $600,000 in funding;
• Investing in the jewel of the Derwent Valley, the Mt Field National Park, with $1.8 million to create a new arrival concourse;
• Improving access to the Black River Day Use Area, by upgrading Spion Kop Road; and
• Progressed our $10 million investment in sustainable off road vehicle access in the Arthur Pieman Conservation Area and West Coast.

“Following the incredible success of the Three Capes Track, we will also continue to progress the Next Iconic Walk in the Tyndall Range on Tasmania’s West Coast, with an investment of $40 million,” Minister Duigan said.

Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Roger Jaensch, said that in addition to investing in showcasing and preserving Tasmania’s natural heritage, a re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal Government will inject an additional $8 million over four years to establish a new Tasmanian Threatened Species Fund, to directly support conservation activities for priority species.

“The Liberals are absolutely committed to protecting Tasmania’s pristine natural environment, and protecting our unique species,” Minister Jaensch said.

“That is why we have already provided $2.1 million to establish a captive breeding program for the Maugean skate; $1 million to save the Swift Parrot; $2.5 million to construct the Orange-bellied Parrot captive breeding facility; and ongoing funding to continue the Save the Tasmanian Devil program.

“To build on our existing funding and established programs, a re-elected majority Liberal Government will provide an additional $8 million over 4 years to establish a Tasmanian Threatened Species Fund to directly support conservation activities for priority species, including but not limited to:

• funding actions identified by the Maugean skate National Recovery Team, in addition to the existing captive breeding program;
• implementing the new National Swift Parrot Recovery Plan and extending the Tasmanian Swift Parrot Recovery Project; and
• developing a new, best practice Tasmanian Eagle Recovery Plan.”

Cost: $15 million new capital expenditure and $8 million for the Tasmanian Threatened Species Fund.