Today I have approved five projects 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 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.
The Government is committed to being open and transparent through the process of assessing 37 EOIs submitted for consideration.
Last week the Assessment Panel provided me with recommendations that 24 proposals proceed to the next stage, with further information being sought on another two proposals. I committed to working through the proposals and recommendations of the Assessment Panel and make decisions public as they are made. This process will be completed by no later than 13 March.
I have now had the opportunity to review and accept the Panel's recommendations that the following five projects proceed to Stage 2.
Projects approved to proceed to Stage 2
Blue Derby Pods Ride, North East Tasmania - Ms Tara Anstie & Mr Stephen Howell.
A proposal to utilise the newly developed mountain bike trails in the north-east of Tasmania for a premium three-day mountain biking experience. This will include Hollybank mountain bike park and trails, Derby trails, and the Blue Tier/Weldborough trails. This experience will further the traditional model of a mountain biking tour by providing accommodation in high-crafted, eco-friendly, suspended accommodation units and a central lodge building.
Tasmanian Boat Charters South West Signature Experience – Mr Pieter van der Woude
Proposal to construct a purpose built 19.4m vessel for accommodation and for exploring the Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour areas, as well as other locations around Tasmania.
Clients will be offered a wide range of experiences including river exploration, bushwalking, kayaking, scuba diving, wildlife viewing and bird watching. This concept has been specifically developed to avoid land infrastructure or the need for a land based footprint.
Narawntapu Adventures Precinct, Narawntapu National Park – Mr Raymond Becker and Mrs Laura Becker
Development of an activity base at Narawntapu National Park by extending the existing horse trails. A world-class horse riding experience will be offered to both experienced, international and local riders as well as novice riders wanting to enjoy the quintessential Australian experience. This development is an extension of activities that are already permitted within the Narawntapu.
South Coast Track Huts Walk, South West National Park – Mr Ian Johnstone
The development would involve the construction of five environmentally sensitive huts located at strategic sites along the South Coast Track approximately one day walk apart.
Flinders Island Crossing - Mr Wayne O'Brien
The Flinders Island Crossing is a concept for a coast to coast walk over five days taking in the scenic wonders and life of Flinders Island, Tasmania. Walkers will enjoy remote beaches, spectacular mountains and close-up encounters with wildlife. It is proposed to use one existing hut (on private land) and three new private huts (on public land) for accommodation on the Crossing. The huts would operate similar to a public hut system in that independent walkers book their accommodation and pay a fee through a website portal.
Further details about each of these projects and the assessment process can be found at http://www.cg.tas.gov.au.
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.
More Media Releases from the Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage