The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA) finishes the year positioned to grow and recover from the challenges of COVID-19.
PAHSMA is entrusted to effectively conserve and manage three iconic World Heritage sites: Port Arthur Historic Site; the Cascades Female Factory; and the Coal Mines Historic Sites.
This brings with it great responsibility for our State, requiring the commitment of considerable financial and human resources underpinned by world-class professional knowledge.
The Port Arthur Historic Site was visited by 187,203 people in 2021-22. Although visitations have not matched pre-COVID numbers, this represents a 19.8 per cent increase on the previous year, and visitor yield has also increased.
Top among the achievements this year is the completion of the Cascade Female Factory History and Interpretation Centre, which opened on 25 March 2022.
The development will enable PAHSMA to share the important and engaging story of women convicts' role in our shared history. The Tasmanian Liberal Government invested $3 million into the project and the Federal Government invested $2 million.
In addition, PAHSMA has contributed more than $14 million to the Tasmanian economy in accordance with the Government's Buy Local guidelines.
PAHSMA, where possible, engaged local contractors to supply services and used Tasmanian products in the retail, food and beverage outlets, with 91.8 per cent of purchases being from Tasmanian businesses or national businesses with offices and staff in Tasmania.
With a $7.24 million investment in conservation, infrastructure, education and interpretation, PAHSMA is well positioned for the future, adding value and enriching visitor experiences.
As Minister for Heritage, I am proud of their work this year and want to thank the professional leadership provided by the Board and Management who have continued to display initiative and agility in setting a direction for PAHSMA's future sustainability.
