Jacquie Petrusma,Minister for Parks
The contract to undertake a Feasibility Study and Economic Benefit Assessment of the viability of snowmaking on the Ben Lomond Ski Fields has been awarded.
The highly regarded Tasmanian consultancy firm GHD Pty Ltd will carry out the study following an open tender process by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) in November last year.
The report will assess the viability of snowmaking and will investigate economic, environmental and socially sustainable options for the ski fields.
Consultancy firm GHD brings considerable experience and expertise in alpine environments to the study, which will inform our approach to future investments on the mountain and most importantly, a new Management Plan for the park.
Ben Lomond is an important destination for Tasmania's winter recreational pursuits, and it also has the potential as an emerging location for summer and year-round activities.
This study forms part of our commitment to invest $2.8 million towards making Ben Lomond a year-round recreational and tourism destination for all Tasmanians.
Stakeholder and community engagement will be part of the preparation of a contemporary Management Plan, including improvements to infrastructure that support the site's future.
The snowmaking study follows other improvements completed by the PWS over the past two years, including the development of new walking tracks to the summit, a new car park at the base of Jacobs Ladder and a new toilet facility at the lower car park.
The outcomes of the study are expected to be finalised later this year.
