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Budget 2023-24
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INVESTING IN TASMANIA’S NATURAL WONDERS

ROGER JAENSCH MP, Minister for Parks

The 2023-24 State Budget is about preparing for Tasmania’s future, which is why the Rockliff Liberal Government is continuing to build on its significant record of investment in the State’s world-renowned national parks and reserves.

This Budget ensures targeted, careful and considered investment to continue to strengthen our economy and create jobs.

Minister for Parks, Roger Jaensch, said Tasmania’s natural wonders continue to be a major drawcard for tourists and locals alike with an 18 per cent increase in visitation to some of the State’s most popular destinations in the 2022 calendar year, compared to the previous year.

The Rockliff Liberal Government is delivering the parks infrastructure Tasmania deserves, with the 2023-24 Budget investing $163.7 million, including Commonwealth Government funding, into our natural wonders, including:

  • $58.1 million to facilitate the development of the $61 million Cradle Mountain Experience and to build on the popularity of Cradle Mountain as an iconic destination;
  • $3.3 million towards the revitalisation of the Hastings Thermal Pool;
  • $2.05 million to develop a new arrival concourse for Mt Field National Park;
  • $28.3 million towards our total investment of $40 million to advance Tasmania’s next iconic multi-day, hut-based walk in the Tyndall Range;
  • $8 million for continued investment in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area;
  • $1 million for camping upgrades and RV access on Flinders Island; and
  • $3.150 million for upgrades to Cockle Creek camping areas.

“National Parks and reserves are key drivers for the dispersal of visitors around the State, supporting economies and jobs in many of our regional towns and communities,” Minister Jaensch said.

“These unique destinations draw people from around Tasmania, Australia and the world,” Minister Jaensch said.

The 2023-24 Budget includes $4 million for the renewal, replacement and maintenance costs for roads and bridges managed by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.

“With more than 1152km of roads across the state, this initiative will support the management of this road network to ensure Tasmanians and visitors continue to enjoy safe and reliable access to our national parks and reserves,” Minister Jaensch said.

“The Rockliff Liberal Government is targeting every dollar in the 2023-24 Budget to continue to strengthen our economy and create jobs.”

The 2023-24 Budget is investing an additional $900,000 for upgrades to the Maria Island Jetty.

“These important upgrades complement our Government’s commitment to the visitor experience on the island through the Maria Island Re-discovered Project, which is also supported in the Budget with a $6.8 million investment,” Minister Jaensch said.

“We are also improving vehicle access and car parking facilities at Cape Bruny, with a $1.565 million investment to support visitors and commercial operators.”

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens will receive additional funding of $325,000 to fund critical repair works to the heritage listed Eardley-Wilmot wall as well as replacing aging irrigation infrastructure.

This Budget is about making targeted and considered investment to continue to support the Government’s significant ongoing commitment to protecting and maintaining our iconic assets, which make such an important contribution to our regional economies.