Future-proofing our tourism icons

Tourism is booming under the Hodgman Liberal Government, and we are committed to strategic investment in our much-loved national parks to ensure they can reach their full tourism potential.
Accordingly, I am pleased to announce $8 million will be allocated to upgrade vital infrastructure in our parks and reserves over the next two years.
We want tourists to stay longer and spend more in our regional areas while they’re here, and one of the best ways to achieve this is to ensure high quality experiences and infrastructure is on offer in our stunning parks and natural areas.
Funding much-needed infrastructure in our parks has been vital in providing this, and has ensured we are not only well on track to reach our goal of 1.5 million visitors to the state by 2020, but also well placed to achieve our target in the next term of Government for 70 per cent of all visitors to stay overnight in our regions.
It’s a great demonstration of the Government’s ongoing commitment to the state’s booming nature-based tourism industry that supports thousands of jobs and attracts visitors from all over the world.
The $4 million allocated for the current financial year will deliver over 30 projects around the State at major visitor sites such as Freycinet, Bruny Island, Mount Field, The Nut at Stanley and Fortescue Bay.
The funding for 2018 will make a start on many tourism industry priorities as identified in the “Future-Proofing our Icons” initiative.
These projects also create jobs and local employment thorough support services such as accommodation and building trades.
At Mount Field, a major upgrade of the iconic Russell Falls Track is under way to improve low mobility access.
At Mt Mawson, a new day shelter will be built to provide a higher quality visitor experience and improved safety at one of the State’s popular walking and snow-play sport sites.
At Cradle Mountain, the Glacier Rock viewing platform that provides stunning views of Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain, will be upgraded, along with improved access.
Heritage works to the iconic Crater Lake boatshed and trailside museum near Waldheim are also planned.
Planning is also underway at several locations to inform our investment decisions next financial year.
Detailed site planning at Cockle Creek in the State’s far South and at Freycinet National Park, will ensure that future infrastructure meets the needs of visitors and protects the very reason that people come to visit.
New toilets at key locations will ensure that we keep pace with the demands for better facilities and the highest standards of waste management.
Our parks and reserves are special places and we will continue working to future proof our natural and cultural values for all to enjoy.
Matthew Groom, Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage