The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to improving parks infrastructure to better showcase Tasmania’s world-famous wilderness.
In this year’s budget we provided additional funding of $8 million over two years for high priority infrastructure renewal and maintenance in our parks and reserves.
This funding will enhance the visitor experience by providing for the redevelopment, refurbishment and replacement of infrastructure, including signage and interpretation, fencing, walking and multi-use tracks, fire trails, roads, amenities and car parking.
Today I announced in Parliament that the Government has approved the first round of high priority infrastructure spending around the state, totalling $1.66 million. A further $1.56 million worth of high priority projects have already been identified for renewal and maintenance.
Urgent work is already underway, with road works completed for Coolangatta Road on Bruny Island and the Fortescue Bay access road.
Additional urgent road works are on Wielangta Road on the East Coast, Bruny Island Lighthouse Road and Hartz Mountains access road are also currently underway.
Other works that will begin shortly include:
• Replacing a pedestrian bridge on the popular Enchanted Walk at Cradle Mountain;
• Completing the upgrade of the walking tracks on The Nut, Stanley;
• Upgrade of toilet facilities at Nelson Falls (Queenstown);
• Site assessment and planning for a new experience at Heritage Landing (Gordon River);
• Repairs and maintenance to the Eagles Eyrie public facility (Maydena);
• Upgrade of toilet facilities at Mathers Beach, Waterhouse (north east Tasmania);
• Route investigation and planning for a new summit walking track at Ben Lomond;
• Design and construction of a new viewing platform at Sumac Lookout (Tarkine Loop Road);
• Cape Bruny Light tower painting and weather proofing and other heritage maintenance works; and
• Strzelecki walking track upgrades (Flinders Island).
Further works and future projects will be discussed with key stakeholders to establish a full, two-year works program.
In developing this program of infrastructure spending, the Government consulted with local government and local stakeholders, because they have the best understanding of what infrastructure is required, what is most relied on, what is used by visitors and what will contribute the most to each region’s economy.
The Government will continue to consult with local government about the ongoing upkeep of roads to ensure that the State’s funds are spent efficiently.
This infrastructure spending is further confirmation of the Hodgman Liberal Government’s commitment to our world class, parks and reserves.
This program is important for providing necessary and improved access for Tasmanians and visitors to experience our unique environment and natural heritage.
The funding will enhance the Tasmanian brand for high quality, natural experiences, and is another example of this Government getting on with the job of investing in our regional communities, growing our tourism industry and moving closer toward our goal of making Tasmania the environmental tourism capital of the world.
Matthew Groom, Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage
