The Tasmanian Greens today called for greater recognition of the amazing potential King Island has in both natural and physical assets, and emphasised the unique opportunities including its potential to be a renewable energy hub of excellence through to possessing some of the most pristine beaches.
Greens Member for Braddon, Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP, who has just returned from visiting the island, said the likely redevelopment of the scheelite mine at Grassy is just another example of the potential for King Island as this redevelopment will have a positive jobs impact on the local community.
Mr O’Halloran also welcomed today’s commitment by Tourism Minister Scott Bacon to continue investigating the potential development of a Geotrail along the north-west and west coasts and King Island, for which the Greens have been campaigning.
“The diverse range of King Island products is truly inspiring. Internationally recognised products from cheeses, beef and fish, through to the potential new market of being a renewable energy hub of excellence,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“The scheelite mine at Grassy is currently set for a redevelopment that will result in a positive jobs impact, and again shows the positive forward thinking community on King Island.”
“After having spent some time recently on King Island and experiencing the pristine beaches and amazing local infrastructure, such as the Cape Wickham Lighthouse which is the tallest in the southern hemisphere, I would encourage anyone to go and visit this amazing place.”
“Progress on the Geotrail concept as proposed by the Greens will only help expand King Island’s tourism, local economy and education potential.”
“King Island is an excellent example of what community is and how a community rallies around to support its members and activities.”
“King Island it a great example of how Tasmania can capitalise on a largely decentralised population by raising population bases in remote areas through investing in community and job focused outcomes, such as becoming a renewable energy hub of excellence, or redeveloping an old mine site for jobs growth,” Mr O’Halloran said.
