Why is there no one interested in coming to this place … ?

I recently took three tours of Chinese business people around some parts of the state that are for sale. I was told there were a smattering of billionaires, millionaires and others who exist off these people. Indeed one had a bodyguard, an interpreter and a food taster. When introduced one was called Jack, another Bill and the boss was only referred to as Mr Wu. An educated chap, Mr Wu unlike his followers lay on the ground to take pictures of lupins and other flora and he revelled in being outside, he constantly remarked how clean everything is.

Standing on a golden sand beach on the east coast, with no plastic or footprints in sight, Mr Wu, through his interpreter asked me, “Why are there no people here, what is wrong, can I build a heliport (to take me to the casino) and how about a pier for big boats” (don’t fret, they were tire kickers)? I did tell them about the billion stars you could see at night and the forest full of brown furry animals, both were of passing interest, I saw fauna, they saw food. I tell you this to highlight the big differences in our interests and perceptions, both economically and culturally.

The question I asked them was, “If Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world, the cleanest water, the cleanest electricity and the cleanest food, why is there no one interested in coming to this place, to live”?

They were perplexed and bewildered and did not answer the question. Possibly, they were embarrassed that I asked the question. I have posed this question many times to a variety of people, no Tasmanian has given me an answer that comes close to answering the question, mostly people stop, just stop and shut up.

The Kiwis have successfully answered this question, they have a nett growth in population, vibrant exports and are conscious of their place in the world. Tasmania gets as close as referring to population in Party political statements but actually has never had a successful working policy on the subject.

The tourists are certainly not returning, to live and stay, indeed after MONA, do they return for a second visit, not often is the answer. Do they return and buy a house, NO is the answer. This is obvious from looking at the recent demographic statistics, the Tasmanian population is in serious decline, with no renewal in sight. Imagine in 2050 when the population is possibly 350,000, with an infrastructure built for 500,000 and taxes to match the maintenance for 500,000 people. In case you wonder where I get these figures, try the ABS and the TCCI.

So try answering the question,

“If Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world, the cleanest water, the cleanest electricity and the cleanest food, why is there no one interested in coming to this place, to live”?

Greg James
Kingston.

PS: If no one answers this question and suggests a solution, your wealth will fall apart over the next ten years, as you put your retirement house up for sale and find out there is no one to buy it. Be amazed as you attempt to move into retirement homes and find there is no one to staff it.

• Pete Godfrey, in Comments: Hi Greg good question. I came here to live 13 years ago, I loved the land and beauty of Tasmania. I actually liked the fact that the population was small and falling. It was a bonus for me. A couple of things I see that seem to say don’t come back are. We do not cater for tourists well, sure we have accomodation and cafes but when you drive along our roads and get to a wonderful vantage point there is usually nowhere to stop and take in the view. I use the examples near me of the top of the Poatina road heading over the Great Western Tiers, there is a magnificent view available of the land to the north from the top but is there picnic table, shelter or place to stop and see it. No. Same with the Lake highway you go up and there is a wonderful spot with views along the Liffey valley, and of Liffey Bluff plus vast vistas of the North of Tasmania, what you have is a bid dirt area that looks like it was once a gravel dump to take it in from. Right up the top near Projection bluff there is a small viewing platform, no shelters, no toilets etc. So it has a small track to the platform covered in toilet paper as people think it is a great place to take a piss and relieve themselves. Does this make people feel like they want to come back. No is my answer. Does the corruption and pandering to a few large political donors make people want to come back, No …

• lola moth, in Comments: Not all places on this earth have to expand and grow continuously until we all live on the fringes of soulless never-ending suburbs. By adjusting our expectations of what we consider to be “a good life” we can live fuller lives with less and leave more for others. As for the “solution” to the “problem” of our state’s future? I don’t see that much of a problem, considering it has been this way for many generations and we haven’t imploded yet. No growth does not equal no future. The world will always need places like Tasmania if only to look upon what it has lost elsewhere.

• Ben Cameron, in Comments: The future of Tasmania is not in corporations, it’s in differentiation, niches, promotion of entrepreneurship, in shared goods and services, open minded policy, fostering more social networks to get things done. It’s about building on people’s strengths to the benefit of those people who muck in. This is the way the developed world is going and so Tasmania is really well set for a bright and happy future with the right thinking. Tasmania is friendly and welcoming, wild and beautiful. It’s an awesome place to live and breath and that’s a lofty start to build on. Hopefully in a roundabout way i’ve put across my 2 cents on why more people don’t come here, why they would if they could and how bright the future for Tasmania is if it latches onto a global movement that suits its positives and helps with it’s negatives very well.