The Hodgman Liberal Government has a target of attracting 1.5 million visitors to our state every year by 2020, which the industry says will create 8000 new jobs.
As part of the Liberal Government’s commitment to supporting regional economies and growing tourism numbers on the East Coast, we will once again provide a winter subsidy for the ferry service to Maria Island.
The provision of a winter subsidy last year has contributed to a significant increase in the number of visitors to the Island, with 19,000 people making the trip in 2014. This is up 21 percent over the previous year.
The previous Government initiated an Expression of Interest process to select a sole service provider for a quality, reliable and cost-effective passenger and freight service to Maria Island. Two submissions to provide the service were received.
Having carefully considered the submissions, the Government could not be satisfied that either option presented an improved long term outcome for ferry services to Maria Island.
The Government remains committed to securing the best possible service over the longer term. For this reason the decision has been taken to continue the existing winter ferry subsidy and to continue to explore other longer term options with the local community, tourism industry and the current service providers.
Matthew Groom, Minister for State Growth
