a majority liberal government will:
- Invest $40.2 million into our world-renowned National Parks and Reserves, to power up our regional economies and create around 200 jobs, 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.
- A further $14 million investment into the iconic Freycinet National Park and a new Visitor Gateway*.
The Liberal Government’s record investment in Tasmania’s national parks and reserves has resulted in more than $80 million in funding committed during the previous term of Government.
We know that our Parks are the driver for our regional economies and a strong state-wide visitor economy, and a re-elected Majority Liberal Government will continue to invest to ensure that our natural assets are future proofed and provide experiences consistent with the expectations of locals and visitors alike.
Work is currently underway on delivering landmark projects, such as:
- The $26.8 million development of the completed Visitor Gateway at Cradle Mountain and the Dove Lake Viewing Shelter which is currently being constructed.
- Combined State and Federal funding for the cableway between the Gateway and Dove Lake.
- The $20 million commitment to develop Tasmania’s Next Iconic Walk in the Tyndall Range near Queenstown.
Our Parks Powering Regional Economies (PPRE) program will continue the delivery of iconic tourism experiences in national parks and reserves across the State and ensure the renewal and maintenance of high priority visitor facilities to stimulate the tourism industry and economic growth in regional Tasmania.
The program will focus on the use and enjoyment of the Parks estate by Tasmanians, interstate and international visitors, nature-based tourist operators.
This five-year, $40.2 million investment will ensure well planned, environmentally sustainable, visitor infrastructure and longer-term jobs in construction and park maintenance.
It is estimated around 200 full-time jobs will be directly and indirectly generated by this program over the next four years.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will invest:
A further $14 million investment into the iconic Freycinet National Park and a new Visitor Gateway
The Freycinet National Park has been one of the fastest growing and most popular tourism destinations in Tasmania.
We are taking, and will continue to take the responsible approach of improving infrastructure to meet the existing demands, but also, and more importantly, taking steps to ensure that the benefits of tourism do not compromise the natural, cultural and social values of the Freycinet Peninsula.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will continue our investment into this iconic tourism destination by providing an additional $14 million to develop a new Visitor Gateway adjacent to the National Park.
The Visitor Gateway will include:
- A transport hub with shuttle bus to the Wineglass Bay car park.
- Realignment of the road to alleviate congestions on Freycinet Drive, and the impact on residents.
- New state-of-the art Visitor Centre facilities similar to the highly acclaimed and recently opened Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.
This adds to our joint investment, with the Australian Government, of $15.6 million to deliver improved wastewater treatment, and other projects such as the already-completed shared use track from the Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre through to the Wineglass Bay car park, and the second lookout at Wineglass Bay.
It is anticipated that construction on this project will commence in 2023-24 and that it will be completed in 2025-26.
Supporting tourism on Flinders Island with a $900,000 upgrade for camping and RV access
Flinders Island has some of the most pristine landscapes in Tasmania – and some of the most photogenic. Providing access to these areas for visitors is very important for ensuring that these places can drive our regional tourism economy on Flinders Island.
Flinders Island has a growing tourism economy, being driven by its beauty and remoteness, as well as its growing market of boutique tourism offerings.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will provide $900,000 to revitalise parks assets on the island, including improvements to campground facilities and access roads for RV access to camp facilities, and replacement of stairs at Trousers Point Beach.
It is anticipated that construction on this project will commence in 2023-24 and that it will be completed in 2025-26.
Turning Ben Lomond into a year-round destination with a $2.8 million investment
Ben Lomond has for many years been the premier ski slope in Tasmania, however has been unfairly pigeon-holed as a winter destination.
Less than an hour from Launceston, Ben Lomond National Park is one of the most under-utilised sites in Tasmania’s reserve system.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will invest $2.8 million to unlock the potential of the Ben Lomond National Park as a year-round destination, allowing our Parks and Wildlife Service to undertake planning to guide future development, including -
- The ‘Ben Lomond Snow Making Feasibility and Economic Benefit Assessment’ to determine if snow conditions on the mountain can be augmented and extended.
- A strategic site plan identifying priority infrastructure in the development of the site as a year-round destination; including investment in the highest priority assets.
- A new Ben Lomond Management Plan.
This investment will follow the Government’s current funding of a replacement Ben Lomond Public Shelter which was destroyed by fire in 2018.
It is anticipated that planning works on this project will commence in 2021-22 and that the project will conclude in 2025-26.
Re-imagining Hastings Thermal Pool with a $3 million investment
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will help cement this iconic site as a regional tourism drawcard for the far South by investing $3 million in upgrades, including –
- Renovation of the popular thermal pool and surrounds including ensuring it is suitable for the mobility-impaired or people with disability.
- Upgrade of the car parks.
- Master planning and hydrological assessment.
The works will be delivered within two years, and adds to the waste treatment works already completed by the Liberal Government.
It is anticipated that construction on this project will commence in 2021-22 and that it will be completed in 2023-24.
Funding for the Maria Island Re-discovered Project, with $6.8 million for Stage 3
The Liberal Government has already demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that Maria Island remains a unique and sought-after destination on the East Coast of Tasmania.
The Maria Island National Park is now one of the key attractions on the East Coast, driving the regional tourism economy. It is steadily increasing in visitation – growing 24% in recent years.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will commit $6.8 million to Stage 3 of the Maria Island Re-Discovered project, providing ongoing certainty of experience to tourism operators and visitors to the island. It includes:
- Completion of new waste water treatment facilities.
- Improved, reliable electricity generation infrastructure and power connection to all buildings in the Darlington precinct.
- Additional heritage building upgrades.
- Improved rain water capture, storage and delivery assets.
This funding will follow on from $5.83 million allocated to the previous stages of the project which has delivered wastewater transfer system, barge landing facilities and heritage works.
It is anticipated that construction on this project will commence in 2022-23 and that it will be completed in 2025-26.
Boardwalk replacement of the outstanding Tamar Island Wetlands Centre, with an investment of $2.8 million
The Tamar Island Wetlands Centre is an outstanding visitor asset for the Greater Launceston area, and the north generally.It is a superb wetland ecosystem of mudflats, lagoons and islands with abundant wildlife and plant species. It is uniquely operated 364 day a year by a team of dedicated volunteers who educate guests about the site and its values.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will ensure that this important site continues to offer valuable educational and recreational experiences by investing $2.8 million in the upgrade and refurbishment of the boardwalks at the site.
It is anticipated that construction on this project will commence in 2023-24 and that it will be completed in 2025-26.
Cockle Creek camp site upgrades, with funding of $3 million
Cockle Creek is the southern Gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, and a popular area for camping for families.
The Liberal Government have already completed Stage 1 of the upgrades, with $800,000 provided to build a new shelter and toilets.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will invest $3 million for Stage 2 of the Cockle Creek gateway, which will deliver a road realignment and new camping areas for RVs, motor homes and camper trailers.
It is anticipated that staged construction on this project will commence in 2021-22 and that it will be completed in 2025-26.
Investing in picturesque Cape Bruny, with a $1.7 million upgrade
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will invest in the picturesque Cape Bruny site, in the South Bruny National Park. The site is an important attraction on Bruny Island, being home to the second oldest manned lighthouse in Australia.
The investment of $1.7 million will fund improvements in infrastructure at the site to ensure that it remains able to cope with an increasing number of visitors, including:
- Development of a site plan.
- Improved road access and car parking facilities.
- Upgraded day use area.
It is anticipated that construction on this project will commence in 2023-24 and that it will be completed in 2025-26.
Revitalising the ‘Edge of the World’ experience at Arthur River, with funding of $2.75 million
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will revitalise the ‘Edge of the World’ experience at Arthur River, providing an important visitor experience in the far north-west of Tasmania. The Government will provide $2.75 million to undertake this important project.
Currently, the far north-west region receives about 150,000 visitors, yet only about 30,000 venture further west than Stanley. This project will provide another high-quality natural attraction to draw visitors to the coast and provide a reason to stay another night.
This project will improve the dispersal of visitors past Stanley and spread the benefits of Tasmania’s strong visitor economy to all reaches of Tasmania.
The upgrade will:
- Provide new and increased car parking infrastructure.
- Construct a new non-obtrusive, all-weather shelter offering visitors the opportunity to take in the breathtaking vista of the west coast landscapes and the pounding Southern Ocean.
- Provide interpretative materials (in consultation with the Aboriginal Communities) which highlight the outstanding values of the Western Tasmania Aboriginal Cultural Landscape.
It is anticipated that construction on this project will commence in 2023-24 and that it will be completed in 2025-26.
Completing Horsetail Falls Trail at Queenstown, with $600,000 in funding*
Short walks in the West Coast area are a significant drawcard activity.
Stage one of the Horsetail Falls walk was funded by the Liberal Government and provides access to a platform overlooking the Falls.
Stage Two will provide an attraction in its own right, taking visitors right to the top of the falls – providing a complementary experience to the extensive work being undertaken by the West Coast Council to build a mountain biking destination at Mt Owen.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will provide a grant of $600,000 to the West Coast Council to deliver Stage 2 of this outstanding attraction to bolster the tourism offerings in the area.
It is anticipated that the grant will be provided to the West Coast Council in the 2021-22 financial year.
Investing in the jewel of the Derwent Valley, the Mt Field National Park, with $1.8 million to create a new arrival concourse
Mt Field National Park is the jewel of the Derwent Valley.Ensuring that its visitation is managed sustainably is crucial in ensuring that the natural and cultural heritage values are retained.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will invest $1.8 million in the site to plan and construct new arrival concourse and provide additional car and bus parking facilities at the National Park.
Includes:
- $1.6 million for the construction of a new arrival apron, and bus and car parking facilities.
- $200,000 for Gateway master planning and approvals.
It is anticipated that staged construction on this project will commence in 2023-24 and that it will be completed in 2025-26.
Improving access to the Black River Day Use, by upgrading Spion Kop Road
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will provide $35,000 to improve the standard of Spion Kop Road at Forest – to enable access to Black River and the facilities at the riverside.
The Government will also work with local community groups in improving the standard of the public facilities at the popular Black River Day Use Area.
The funding will allow the 2.1km of road to be re-sheeted and graded and for the removal of vegetation and clearing of drains.Guideposts will also be installed to improve safety on the access.
It is anticipated that this project will be commenced and completed in the 2021-22 financial year.
Current work underway right now:
- Maria Island Rediscovered Project.
- Overland Track new Windermere Hut Node.
- Overland Track new Kia Ora Hut Node.
- Dove Lake Viewing Shelter.
- East Coast Camp Grounds Upgrades.
- Cradle Mountain Cableway.
- Next Iconic Walk.
- Ben Lomond Public Shelter replacement.
- Freycinet National Park wastewater lagoons upgrade.
- Freycinet National Park – new foreshore track.
- Freycinet National Park – headworks on Gateway.
- Better Boat Trailer Parking Project – Swansea and St Helens.
- Okines Beach Erosion Control assessment.
- Mt Anne Track Fire Recovery.
- Lake Judd Track Fire Recovery.
- Smoko Road bridge replacement.
- ‘Working on Country’ Aboriginal Trainee Ranger Program.
- Cultural Burning Program Rangers and Grant Program.
- TWWHA Fire Management Initiative funding – 4 years.
- Development of a draft Tourism Master Plan for the TWWHA.
- Development of a TWWHA Fire Management Plan.
- Development of a new Maria Island and Ile De Phoque Management Plan.
- East Coast camping upgrades - $1.5 million (St Helens, Scamander and Mt William).
Our record in Government:
- New Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.
- Waterfall Valley Hut, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
- Cockle Creek Gateway Stage 1.
- Shared Use Track – Freycinet National Park.
- Wineglass Bay Second Lookout – Freycinet National Park.
- New jetty at Macquarie Heads, Strahan.
- Improved infrastructure at Sarah Island, Macquarie Harbour.
- Renovation of Strahan Bond Store and Customs House.
- Upgrade of facilities at Macquarie Heads Campground.
- Improvements to visitor infrastructure at the Nut State Reserve.
- Improvements to Highfield House, Stanley.
- Facility upgrades at Tasman National Park – Pirates Bay, Tasman Arch, Devils-Kitchen and Remarkable Caves.
- Better Boat Trailer Parking Project – Pirates Bay and Coles Bay.
Labor-Green record:
- Chronically under-spent on Parks and Reserves.
- Greens want to lock up National Parks and not allow visitors.
Costings:
The total cost of this policy is $40.2 million over five years.
*Costed against other policy documents.