Roger Jaensch, Minister for Environment and Parks
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to our world-renowned national parks that attract in excess of 1.45 million visitors each year, create jobs in regional areas and support our booming visitor economy.
Following the 2018 election we committed a record $80 million over four years to support our national parks and reserves. This has been boosted by a further $31 million in this term of Government, including $16 million to upgrade vital infrastructure at these iconic locations.
These commitments build on our significant existing investments, including the $56.8 million commitment to Cradle Mountain which includes the new Cradle Mountain Gateway Precinct due to be opened later this month.
The Dove Lake Viewing Shelter project tenders have closed with the successful tenderer to be announced soon and construction expected to start in April and conclude in late 2021. A further $30 million has been committed for a transport solution to link the Gateway Precinct and the Viewing Shelter which will be determined after a feasibility and business case study.
Tasmania's strong economy has enabled us to deliver this record spending in our parks which in turn drives further stimulus and jobs in regional communities. We know that tourists who visit national parks stay in the state longer and spend their money locally.
Our vision includes $20 million to deliver Tasmania's next iconic multi-day, multi-hut based walking experience. The West Coast Tyndall Range experience has been selected as the potential site for this development and is currently subject to detailed feasibility and market testing.
We have already delivered on several significant infrastructure projects that are spread over multiple years.
The completion of the Three Capes Track is delivering a unique experience and upgrades to the car park at Ben Lomond has increased capacity at busy times and provided a safer entry point for patrons to utilise the shuttle bus.
The Freycinet National Park is one of the fastest growing and most popular destinations in Tasmania and more than $15 million is being invested by the State and Federal governments in infrastructure identified in the Freycinet Peninsula Master Plan.
Our innovative Free Parks Pass for Seniors was a huge success in 2018-19 and in 2019-20 we will continue to provide a 50 per cent discount on the Seniors Parks Pass concession fee.
The Tasmanian majority Liberal Government will continue to use benefits of a strong economy to invest in our parks and reserves, to invest in regional jobs and to ensure that the parks experience is sustainable and memorable for locals and visitors alike.
