Greens’ Geo-Trail Initiative Feasibility Study Seed Funded in 2011-12 State Budget
Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP
Greens Member for Braddon

The Tasmanian Greens today reiterated the amazing economic potential a geo-trail project along the North West and West Coasts would have for local and regional communities, and welcomed the funding allocation to get the proposal off the ground included in the State Budget 2011-2012.

Greens Member for Braddon, Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP, said this first positive step will be the beginning of an ongoing process over the long-term to increase the awareness of, and investment in, geo-tourism along the North West Coast, and boost local and regional communities in both economy and population retention.

“The Greens took into the our Budget negotiations with Labor a funding proposal for the development of a GeoTrail along the North-West and West Coasts, and we welcome the fact that Labor has come on board by providing this initial funding in the State Budget,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“This is just what is needed for positive investment in our natural resources in this region.”

“The tough budget challenges facing us all ahead, makes all the more significant investments such as the GeoTrail concept which encourage capacity building within our communities and foster a more resilient and robust regional economy.”

“Allocations of seed funding to support a feasibility study for a geo-trail in Braddon will ultimately showcase the bedrock beauty of our spectacular coastline and other geological features, and encourage further investment in positioning Tasmania to tap into the growing global phenomenon around geotourism.”

“The feasibility study will link together several groups and ideas such as the Waratah-Wynyard mining heritage proposal, the Queenstown-based geotourism concept, and the excellent work that has already been done by Devonport Rotary South-East Division.”

“This is a terrific opportunity for key stakeholder groups, including mining industry representatives, local government bodies, service clubs and government departments, to work together to progress this exciting value-adding initiative for the region and for Tasmania.”

“This proposal is jobs-rich and as locals and visitors spend more time on the coast, wealth and jobs will be created for the north-west and King Island communities that are long term and sustainable,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP Greens Member for Braddon