24 February 2015

, Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage

EOI Process Update

The Liberal Government has a goal to transform Tasmania into the environmental tourism capital of the world to create jobs for Tasmanians and help reach a target of 1.5 million visitors a year by 2020. We want to give more Tasmanians and visitors the opportunity to experience our unique, world class wilderness areas.

I have invited two more proposals to proceed to the second stage of the Liberal Government's Expressions of Interest process for sensitive and appropriate tourism offerings in our National Parks and the World Heritage Area.

The Government is committed to being open and transparent as we progress through the EOI process. I will continue to work through the remaining proposals and the recommendations of the Assessment Panel progressively and will make decisions public as they are made. I remain committed to completing this process by no later than 13 March.

The high-level Stage 1 assessment involved a consideration against a number of criteria including:

• the appropriateness of the proposal to a particular site;
• the qualifications of the proponent to establish and operate the proposal; and
• the ability of the proponent to finance the proposal.

It is extremely important to note that proceeding to Stage 2 does not amount to a final approval for a proposal.

Stage 2 involves a more rigorous assessment of each proposal and for successful proposals, negotiations will then be entered into for appropriate lease or licence arrangements. Successful proponents will also be required to obtain all other necessary approvals as required under standard State and Federal planning and approval processes.

Projects invited today to proceed to Stage 2

• Professor Robert Morris-Nunn and Mr Michael Lynch,  Recherche Bay Eco Resort. The development of a truly unique superior standard tourist eco-resort that floats, with no direct access to the land other than by boat or seaplane. The proposal is a series of seven moored pontoons, each with a two storey structure above it. This proposal is based on the practical expertise gained in the design and construction of the Brooke St Pier. Floating buildings are completely self-sufficient in so far as they carry on board all the services and systems it needs to provide a habitable environment.
• Mr Simon Currant, Mt Read Ancient Huon Pine Experience – near Rosebery, Tasmania. Proposal for a guided introduction to the Huon pine trees of Tasmania delivered through a sensitive and carefully managed viewing of the famous Mt Read Huon pine tree, accepted as being the oldest continuous living organism on our planet at 10,500 years. The experience will be coupled with an innovative specially built, unique boat ride view of the underwater harvesting of drowned and long felled Huon Pine logs and other species, nearby at beautiful Lake Pieman.

Further details about each of the proposals invited to proceed to Stage 2 can be found at http://www.cg.tas.gov.au.

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