The Hodgman Liberal Government is delivering on its promise to transform Tasmania into the environmental tourism capital of the world.
I am pleased to announce that I have accepted a recommendation of the EOI Assessment Panel that four guided walks to be operated by renowned tourism business, the Tasmanian Walking Company, have proceeded to the lease and licence stage.
This is the final step to be completed before the walks can officially commence operation.
These four proposals are all for multi-day guided bushwalking experiences in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
These projects are:
These four proposals are being developed by the internationally renowned Tasmanian Walking Company, which already operates the incredibly successful Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk and the Wineglass Bay Sail Walk.
These project proposals are great examples of what we have here in Tasmania, what we can offer to the world and what we can achieve through leveraging our natural assets.
The EOI process represents an opportunity to attract up to $70 million worth of investment and the creation of up to 300 jobs.
The Net Economic Return to the State is estimated at nearly $30 million per annum.
The Government remains absolutely committed to the proper protection of natural and cultural heritage within our parks and reserves. All projects that are approved through the EOI process will need to comply with the statutory framework.
In recent days the Government has also announced that two other projects will proceed to the lease and licensing stage, namely The Lighthouse Project on the Gordon River and Dirt-Art’s Eagles Eyrie mountain bike and adventure experience hub. These two projects will create dozens of jobs where they are needed most – in rural and regional Tasmania.
We are getting on with the job of delivering our long-term plan for Tasmania, by expanding the range of recreational and tourism experiences within our parks that will help us grow our tourism industry together with jobs, growth and opportunities for Tasmanians, in particular those in our regional areas.