The Hodgman Liberal Government has a vision of attracting 1.5 million visitors a year to the State by 2020 and we are committed to helping regional Tasmania share in the benefits.
The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre is an important local attraction for the West Tamar community, drawing more than 40,000 visitors a year and receiving a Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2014.
Today, I was pleased to represent Premier Will Hodgman and join with my federal colleagues at the opening of the centre’s new mine yard development.
This project has more than doubled the size of the centre and offers an even more comprehensive experience of recent mining history, with much of the space preserved as it was left by the miners when the operation closed in 2012.
Visitors will be able to get close to mining equipment, try on some of the miners’ safety gear and “tag on” when they go through the mine yard.
Demonstrating cooperation at all levels of government and with private industry, the development is sure to enhance the visitor experience at the centre, giving a unique insight into the development of an important local industry.
The Tasmanian Government has made a significant contribution to the expansion through facilitating the transfer of the mine yard land from the Crown to the West Tamar Council.
The Australian Government and the council both contributed financially, while BCD Resources have provided the key equipment and items that form the exhibition.