The Liberal Government is committed to building on our competitive strengths to attract visitors and grow our economy.
A major investment in national park walking tracks will grow Tasmania's international reputation as a bushwalking destination and help meet our target of attracting 1.5 million visitors to the state by 2020, which the industry says would create 8,000 new jobs.
The Liberal Government recognises continued investment is required in our natural assets to ensure that we can provide a world class bushwalking destination that continues to attract visitors from around the world.
In the upcoming State Budget we will be keeping our promises, fixing the budget mess and laying the foundations for the future.
We are injecting new funding totalling $6 million into the South Coast Track and the final stage of the Three Capes Track.
$2 million will be spent on upgrading the South Coast Track (from Melaleuca to Cockle Creek) to improve access to this spectacular natural asset. The funding will be used to upgrade existing infrastructure, do minor rerouting where the established tracks have become difficult to access, and provide safe access to beach areas.
The South Coast Track is already one of Tasmania's Great Bushwalks attracting approximately 1,500 walkers per year.
However, track erosion, overgrown areas and difficulty accessing some popular beach areas along the walk has contributed to a decline in the overall experience.
The Liberal Government is also committing a further $4 million to contribute to the completion of the Three Capes Track.
The completed walk will take in dramatic vistas of the wild and remote sea cliffs in the Tasman National Park and will be one of the world's greatest coastal walking experiences.
We must provide and maintain infrastructure that allows visitors to access these areas of natural beauty, enhances the appeal, and helps protect natural and cultural values.
The Liberal Government recognises that improving access and providing a range of appropriate and diverse visitor experiences will bring more tourists to our state, creating more jobs for Tasmanians.
That is why we have invited Expressions of Interest for tourism proposals and appropriate development in our national parks and wilderness areas.
More Media Releases from the Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage