Matthew Groom: Maria Island Ferry Subsidy

The Liberal Government will offer a Winter subsidy for Maria Island ferry operators.

This one year extension will provide a continuation of services through the low visitor volume period.

The subsidy will be offered to both operators (Maria Island Ferry and East Coast Cruises) and will commence from 31 May to 31 August 2014 inclusive.

The subsidy will assist in ensuring an agreed schedule (subject to weather conditions) can be agreed upon. Bookings are encouraged to secure preferred travelling times.

The Liberal Government is also progressing to the second stage of the Expression of Interest Process for the provision of transport and access services.

The co-funded Maria Island Ecotourism Development Feasibility Study recommended the sole provision of one quality, regular, reliable, safe and affordable passenger and freight service to Darlington on Maria Island.

This Government has reviewed the process at the conclusion of stage one and agreed that the applicants should be invited to make detailed submissions as part of the process.

The jetty used by the ferry services is currently receiving a $1.5 million upgrade.

This work is being done at the quietest time of the year in order to minimise the impact on visitors.

It’s expected that the jetty will be fully protected by the new outer breakwater panels within five to six weeks.

Last Winter more than 6,000 interstate and local visitors went to Maria Island as a direct result of the subsidy generating additional benefits for East Coast communities.

The Liberal Government has a target to grow Tasmania’s tourism industry to 1.5 million visitors per year by 2020, which represent an additional 8000 jobs.

Certainty around ferry operations over Winter is important to promoting our tourism reputation.
Matthew Groom, Minister for State Growth