A majority Liberal Government will:
- Continue to support Flinders Island with a range of key investments that create jobs, economic, and social value for the benefit of local communities.
- Extend direct underwritten flights between Hobart and Flinders Island until the end of March 2022, bringing thousands more visitors and economic benefit to the Island, as well as providing better options for locals to access Hobart*.
- Invest $350,000 over four years to strengthen biosecurity on Flinders Island.
- Further support tourism on Flinders Island with a $900,000 upgrade for camping and RV access, and replacement of the stairs at Trousers Point Beach.
- Upgrade Palana Road with an investment of $2 million to commence the staged sealing of priority sections of the road.
- Provide $980,000 towards new veterinarian facilities and equipment to help attract a veterinarian to Flinders Island.
- Provide $200,000 for upgraded health equipment at the Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre.
- Invest $120,000 to upgrade existing boat ramps on Flinders Island.
- Provide $39,400 to the Furneaux Island Community Shed for maintenance, including a dust extraction system, fencing, a portico and new equipment.
- Commit $60,000 to the Flinders Island Sports and RSL Club towards new toilet and shower facilities.
The Tasmanian Liberals are the strongest supporters of our regional communities.
We have worked hard to support the Flinders Island community and its plans for economic growth and job creation through its high-value brand, and increasingly, to showcase its unique island attractions as a key tourist destination.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will:
Extend direct underwritten flights between Hobart and Flinders Island until the end of March 2022, bringing thousands more visitors and economic benefit to the Island as well as providing better options for locals to access Hobart*
New regular passenger flights between Hobart and the two Bass Strait Islands commenced in September 2020, with the Liberal Government underwriting the services for an initial period to support our Islands through the pandemic.
The direct flights operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, providing a range of travel options for holiday packages on the Islands.
Both Islands have experienced significant increases in visitation, with Flinders Island flights carrying well over 2300 passengers overall since its commencement.
Importantly, the flights provide the Island’s residents greater options to access health and other services in Hobart and bring the State’s regional communities closer together.
The operator, Sharp Airlines, has also based an aircraft and crew in Hobart, bringing additional economic benefits to the State.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will underwrite the extension of the flights until the end of March 2022, supporting Flinders Island during the winter period and enabling operators to be prepared for a busy spring and summer, with the ultimate goal of the flights becoming commercially sustainable.
This represents a further commitment of around $1 million based on the service since its introduction, considering passenger load factors and average fare levels.
The extension of flights gives more Tasmanians the ability to explore this unique part of our State.
Invest $350,000 over four years to strengthen biosecurity on Flinders Island
Protecting our pest and disease-free status and reputation of Flinders Island as a provider of premium produce is vital to growing the production and profitability of our farmers.
Biosecurity officers assist with strategies to tackle weeds, pests and other issues affecting agricultural production and local biosecurity, and coordinate passenger arrivals to uphold our strong borders.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will ensure all biosecurity positions on the Island are made full-time and permanent.
Further support tourism on Flinders Island with a $900,000 upgrade for camping and RV access, and replacement of the stairs at Trousers Point Beach
Flinders Island has some of the most pristine landscapes in Tasmania – and some of the most photogenic scenery. 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 the stairs at Trousers Point Breach.
Upgrade Palana Road with an investment of $2 million to commence the staged sealing of priority sections of the road
Roads in the north of the island to the idyllic towns of Marshall Bay, Killiecrankie and Palana Beach remain unsealed, and are gravel roads.
With the support of the Liberal Government in underwriting direct flights from Hobart to Flinders Island there has been a massive boom in self-drive tourists clamouring to see this beautiful island.
The sealing of Palana Road will significantly enhance road safety and amenity for residents and visitors.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will provide $2 million to Flinders Island Council to commence the staged sealing of priority sections of Palana Road, between Emita and Palana.
Provide $980,000 towards new veterinarian facilities and equipment to help attract a veterinarian to Flinders Island
Veterinarians provide an important community service to ensure the health and wellbeing of animals, and there is a current shortage of veterinary services and associated infrastructure on Flinders Island.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will provide $980,000 to the Flinders Island Council towards the establishment of a new veterinarian facility on Flinders Island.
This investment will enhance the current veterinary capabilities through the provision of new and vital infrastructure that will support the Flinders Island community.
Provide $200,000 for upgraded health equipment at the Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will provide $200,000 to the Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre for upgraded equipment.
We will work closely with local health services and the community to determine the best equipment upgrades to support health services in these areas, and respond to local needs.
Invest $120,000 to upgrade existing boat ramps on Flinders Island
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will provide $120,000 to the Flinders Island Council towards the construction of an additional boat ramp and upgrades to existing boat ramps that may be necessary.
The new ramp will not only ensure safer amenities for residents, it will also provide opportunities for jobs and future growth in the tourism sector.
Provide $39,400 to the Furneaux Island Community Shed for maintenance, including a dust extraction system, fencing, a portico and new equipment
Community sheds provide an important space for members of the community to pursue fulfilling and constructive pursuits in a supportive setting.
Apart from the friendship and community service these sheds bring, there are significant mental and physical health benefits from being involved, especially for those feeling physically or emotionally isolated.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will provide $39,400 to the Furneaux Island Community Shed towards maintenance, including a dust extraction system, fencing, a portico and new equipment.
Commit $60,000 to the Flinders Island Sports and RSL Club towards new toilet and shower facilities
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will invest $60,000 in the Flinders Island Sports and RSL Club at Whitemark.
The club is a community hub and the funding will allow for an upgrade to toilet and shower facilities including appropriate disability access.
This additional investment complements our previous commitment of $100,000 for the improvement of existing facilities and new tennis courts.
Regional Northern Employment and Business Hub
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will also expand funding to the Regional Northern Employment and Business Hub to include Flinders Island*.
Current work underway right now:
- $60,000 to Community Transport Services Tasmania to support a new transport service on Flinders Island to connect residents to medical and social appointments.
- $900,000 towards the Safe Harbour project on Flinders Island.
Our record in Government:
- Delivering the $10.6 million upgrade to Flinders Island communications network.
- $7.3 million for the Flinders Island Multi-purpose Centre redevelopment.
- $340,000 towards the Deal Island Maintenance Project.
- Partnered in the installation of the Furneaux Island Geo-trail.
- $40,000 towards the Mt Strzelecki Track Erosion Works.
- $50,000 to the Killecrankie Trail.
- Funding of $225,000 for biosecurity on Flinders Island.
- Funding of $37,000 towards the Lady Barron Hall repaint and replacement project
- $690,000 to provide better accommodation for health professionals on Flinders Island-freeing up the current house used by the GP for short-term accommodation options.
- $100,000 in the Flinders Island sports and RSL Club at Whitemark.
- Extended Flinders Island District School to Year 12 by 2022.
- $50,000 to improve playground and recreational facilities at the Flinders Island District High School.
- Flinders Island Business Inc. Support – dedicated officer.
- $4.1m to ensure essential air freight and passenger services across Bass Strait
- $295,000 for infrastructure, refurbishment and Fire Services upgrades at Flinders Island District School.
- Provide concessional and regulated electricity power prices at a cost of $9.08 million in 2019-20 across the Bass Straight Islands.
- Implemented Flinders Island Renewable Energy Integration, reducing the Island’s dependence on diesel fuel and giving a cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy future while demonstrating world-leading Tasmanian hybrid technology.
- $25,000 to upgrade facilities at the Furneaux Museum.
- Delivery of 10 social houses.
- $500,000 to upgrade two police houses.
Costings
The cost of this policy is $4.7 million over four years.
*Costed in other policies