Three Capes’ Shaky Business Case

The Tasmanian Greens today said that Tourism Budget Estimates revealed the shaky business case underpinning the controversial $12m Three Capes Track development.

Greens Tourism spokesperson Tim Morris MP said the untenably optimistic business case underpinning the track’s development exposed the taxpayer-funded Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) to real risk if the development doesn’t turn out to be as popular as the business case envisages.

“In Budget Estimates today, I asked the Tourism Minister Scott Bacon MP about the basis for the extremely optimistic business case and his responses where frankly unconvincing,” said Mr Morris.

“The Three Capes Track development’s business case assumes 10,000 walkers visiting it annually, each paying $200, and the case assumes ‘full-cost recovery’ by PWS.”

“The Overland Track charges $180 per walker and attracts 7,050 annually. This makes the 10,000 figure for Three Capes look wildly inflated.”

“To really boost local economies, private tourism developments should be outside our unique National Parks. The flawed Three Capes proposal will take potential income away from local businesses.”

“The Greens are passionate supporters of eco-tourism and of attracting tourists to experience the beauty of our State by visiting the brilliant Overland Track.”

“However, to succeed, such developments need to be developed carefully and responsibly. The Greens are concerned this hasn’t been the case with the Three Capes development proposal, which risks exposing the taxpayer and damaging Tasmania’s world-class brand which attracts walkers from around the world.”

“Mr Bacon’s lacklustre responses are further evidence of the shakiness of the Three Capes proposal. Given reduced tourism numbers and tight budget, the Greens believe $12m could be better invested,” said Mr Morris.