Investing in our Iconic National Parks

25th May, 2017

Matthew Groom, Minister for Environment and Parks

The Hodgman Liberal Government recognises the importance of our iconic national parks and the value they add to the State’s booming visitor economy.

Tasmania has become synonymous with naturally beautiful landscapes, priceless Aboriginal and European cultural values, endless coastlines, amazing wilderness experiences and we have a vision to share these experiences with the world.

In the 2017-18 State Budget we are Building Tasmania’s Future by investing in our natural assets so they can be enjoyed by future generations of Tasmanians along with visitors from around the world.

The Budget includes:

$8 million over two years for the new Tourism Infrastructure In Parks Program (TIIP), to continue the delivery of iconic tourism experiences in national parks and other reserves across the State.
An additional $6.8 million over three years has been committed to the Cradle Mountain visitor centre, as well as viewing infrastructure at Dove Lake. Cradle Mountain is arguably Tasmania’s best known natural landmark and this funding is on top of the previously committed $15 million, and will add to the already first-class visitor experience at this site.
Maria Island will receive $1.8 million over two years to support the restoration of the World Heritage listed “Darlington” site and provide substantial improvements to visitor services.
Funding of $250,000 has also been provided for the completion of the South Coast Track upgrade.
$4 million ongoing investment in the Three Capes Track and construction of Stage Three of the track has now commenced. This stage of the development will provide improved access to Cape Raoul and Shipstern Bluff.

Through these investments, we are Building Tasmania’s Future, ensuring our resounding tourism numbers continue and regional economies continue to share the benefits.

In addition to providing funding for unique visitor experiences, the Government believes in the ongoing management and reduction of harmful bushfire events in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA).

That is why we are investing as additional $2 million over four years to deliver key recommendations including a Bushfire Risk Assessment Model and Fire Plan for the TWWHA.

A further $500,000 per annum over four years is set aside within the Fuel Reduction Program managed by the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management to provide additional resources to the PWS to support broad-scale fire mitigation activities, primarily fuel reduction burning in reserved land in the far South West, West and North West of the State.

By getting the Budget back into balance the Hodgman Government is able to continue to increase our investment in those things that make Tasmania unique such as our national parks and wilderness areas.