Will Hodgman: Cockle Creek Bridge Underway

The Liberal Government is committed to supporting our competitive strengths such as tourism, which is why work is set to get underway on a new bridge to provide a reliable gateway to Tasmania’s far south.

Tasmania’s southern-most wilderness is one of many areas that are key to our plan to transform Tasmania into the environmental tourism capital of the world.

Ensuring visitors have reliable and enduring access to the far south will help to unlock its potential.

Construction of a new bridge at Cockle Creek will get underway this month after Tasmanian company VEC Civil Engineering Pty Ltd was awarded the contract.

The existing bridge had been restricted to a load limit of 12 tonnes since last year, limiting access to the Southwest National Park and World Heritage Area.

The new bridge has been designed for a 100 year lifespan to ensure reliable access to the walking tracks and popular camping sites for locals and visitors.

The traditionally quieter winter months create the ideal time for these works, which will close the eastern side of Cockle Creek to vehicle access and camping.

The new bridge is expected to be completed by mid-August.

Tasmania’s National Parks and World Heritage Areas give visitors a chance to get off the beaten track and have a unique experience.

That’s why our Government has also invited expressions of interest from investors with ideas for sensible and appropriate tourism developments in our wilderness areas.

This is a key part of our target to grow our tourism industry to 1.5 million visitors a year by 2020.
Will Hodgman, Premier Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events