The Freycinet National Park revitalisation has been updated following strong consultation with the community and the State's tourism industry.
Minister for Parks, Nick Duigan, said our Government is committed to delivering infrastructure to meet future demand, and ensuring the protection of the Freycinet Peninsula's important values.
"We have undertaken significant consultation with the community on the Visitor Gateway project, with the clear focus on prioritising improvements to visitor experiences, safety, traffic and parking control and facilities inside the Freycinet National Park," Minister Duigan said.
"Planned works will include upgrades to the carpark, traffic management measures, new signage, improved visitor information and service areas, upgraded amenities, and interpretations.
"Shared use tracks, pathways, wayfinding and connections to support sustainable access to the park will also be upgraded."
This updated approach responds to strong community feedback and delivers the contemporary infrastructure the region needs.
Of the $14 million Tasmanian Government funding for the Gateway project, $8.9 million will be invested in the Freycinet National Park to support visitation management, enhance the visitor experience and address impacts to the values of the Park in the short to medium term.
The remaining $5 million will deliver key tourism projects on the East Coast and in the South, including priority initiatives in the Bay of Fires Master Plan, the Burns Bay boat ramp at Stieglitz and support the revitalisation of the Hastings Pools complex at Hastings Caves.
"These projects ensure the East Coast, and further abroad, remains 'Spirit ready' and we support regional tourism economic benefit along with safer recreational experiences for residents and visitors alike," Minister Duigan said.
"A key part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is to continue delivering meaningful experiences in our national parks and reserves, which is what these upgrades will deliver."
Glamorgan Spring Bay Council Mayor Cheryl Arnol welcomes the community consultation that has occurred.
"Consulting with the Coles Bay community and responding to their concerns has been important to those who reside in this magnificent part of the East Coast," Mayor Arnol said.
"This investment in Freycinet National Park will bring an increased economic injection into the community for the tourism operators and other businesses whilst ensuring protection of the Peninsula's values for those who live and work in the area."
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Amy Hills said that it was vitally important that work to manage visitation at peak times in the Park is progressed now, especially with the new spirits arriving.
"There are steps that we can be taking that will not only improve the visitor experience but also benefit the local community which is very important to our industry," Ms Hills said.
"Freycinet National Park is widely recognised as one of the jewels of Tasmania's visitor economy. The park plays a pivotal role in driving visitation, regional dispersal and economic activity across the East Coast, but we are also now seeing that visitation spread across the coast in places like Maria Island also.
"Continued investment in infrastructure and visitor management is essential to unlocking further economic benefits while safeguarding the qualities that make Freycinet special."
