Roger Jaensch, Minister for Environment and Parks
Construction of new toilet facilities at two Maria Island campsites will begin after Easter in preparation for the re-opening of Tasmania's parks and reserves after the coronavirus emergency.
The upgrades to toilet facilities at Encampment Cove and French's Farm campsites, located about 10 kilometres outside the World Heritage Darlington Precinct, aim to improve the visitor experience for the growing number of people exploring Maria Island.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service is getting on with important maintenance work during the public closure of parks and reserves to help support jobs and regional economies and to help the tourism industry to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic
By undertaking this important work now, the construction will not impact those enjoying Maria Island's multi-layered history, beaches and wildlife when it reopens.
Local company East Coast Constructions will build the new toilet facilities at each site replacing the current single toilets with two cubicles and upgraded waste treatment systems. Additionally, new heritage guttering on French's Farmhouse will increase the water collection capacity.
With Maria Island continuing to grow in popularity, more tourists are venturing further than the Darlington Precinct on bike, boat and walking to these two campsites. Upgrading the old facilities and providing additional toilets will cater to this growing market and help protect the environment.
The upgrades are being delivered through the Maria Island Rediscovered Project with recent projects including barge and jetty infrastructure works and an improved wastewater system in Darlington.
