The Liberal Government is working closely with the West Coast community to support the region.
The West Coast Economic Working Group has today released its three month interim report, detailing recommendations of support for priority projects which will be presented to Cabinet for support next week.
Among the projects recommended by the Working Group for priority support are Horsetail Falls walking track, Zeehan Mountain Bike tracks, Climies four-wheel drive track, a Tourism Industry Development Program, working with West Coast Council to provide local infrastructure upgrades and helping to fast track exploration for new mining operations in the region.
Interest has also been demonstrated around a local whisky concern based in Strahan. The Working Group would welcome a business proposal around this opportunity.
More than 200 submitted suggestions and ideas have been reviewed by the Working Group to date.
In the first days and weeks after the closure of the Mt Lyell Mine the Working Group coordinated a wide range of support services for affected workers and community members.
We have also been able to attract and bring forward new investment for the West Coast, including:
• Bringing forward the State Government’s $750,000 West Coast election package
• upgrade of Strahan Road
• fast tracked funds and works for the West Coast Wilderness Railway to reopen on 15 December 2014
• upgrades to Murchison Highway
• West Coast involvement in the DreamWorks production Light Between the Oceans
• facilitated an agreement between Hydro Tasmania and a private operator of white water rafting tours based in Queenstown.
The Working Group will continue to meet regularly, seek input from the community and investigate more economic opportunities as we work on a final report to be delivered at the start of 2015.
The Interim Report is available from www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Adam Brooks, Liberal Member for Braddon Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Trade
