Government research shows that a Two Capes Track would be a better business investment …

… and better for the environment

The Tasmanian Conservation Trust today criticised the Liberal Party promise of funding to complete the full Three Capes Track as a bad business decision that will also damage the environment.

‘Clearly the Liberals are supporting the Three Capes Track because they think a bigger track will win more votes but in doing so they are abandoning sound business principles because research shows that a shorter less costly Two Tracks will generate at least as much income.

‘The most recent economic analysis of the likely income generated by the Three Capes Track (by Syneca Consulting in 2012 and released following the 2013 state budget estimates hearings) shows that it is likely that the half track, or Two Capes, will generate as much income as the full track but it will cost much less to construct and maintain.

‘The only way that the full track (5-6 day walk) can be shown to generate more income than a shorter 3 day version is if it attracts upwards of 10000 walkers per year but this number is not supported by market analysis and it is unrealistic because most walkers do not want long walks.

The Overland Track attracts around 7000-8000 walkers per year but it can be done more quickly and is already a world renown attraction.

‘Both the Labor and Liberal parties support the full Three Capes Track on the basis of unrealistic and unsubstantiated predictions of 10,000 walkers per year, which shows neither is willing to make investment decisions based on good business principles.

‘The western half is probably the more environmentally damaging part of the Three Capes Track so it is very sad that the Labor and Liberal parties support further environmental destruction for no further economic gain,’ Mr McGlone concluded.
Peter McGlone Director, Tasmanian Conservation Trust Inc