The activity of TasWater aided and abetted by the Waratah-Wynyard Council and the Minister for State Development has been well documented in Tasmanian Times – none more so than in this article:-
Open Letter to Premier: Fairness & Equality Matter – Tasmanian Times
Tourism has been destroyed with little future for this iconic little town.
How about a new approach, viz The Telopea Thylacine?
Introduction
• The region has circa 300,000 tourists passing though per year
• Destinations are predominantly Strahan and Queenstown (south) and Cradle Mountain and north coast (north)
• Less than 10% are estimated to stopover in Waratah
• Region lies midway between destination favourites and needs a viable ‘lure’
• Natural heritage values are not enough
• Icon attraction required
Outline of Proposal
• Instantaneously recognizable
• Iconic visually attractive structure
• Innovative , safe ,and sustainable design
• First class tourist facility
• Value added surrounds
• Entry point to Northwest Coast region
• Tasmanian produce availability
Design of Structure
• Impressive , imposing, 20-times-sized version of the thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger)
• Fully engineered to ISO standard and registered in accordance to AUS ????
• Internal, safely-enclosed, stairway via rear leg to viewing site at highest point
• Meeting all OH&S requirements for comparable structures
• Provision for child safety slide internally down the tail of the thylacine
Community Benefits
•Employment and training opportunities for the community
•A gateway for tourism from the north and the south
•Partnership with other entrepreneurs to promote economic development in the region
•Promote Waratah as a ‘happening’ community
•Positive community engagement/consultation/involvement
•A visible link to the Tarkine wilderness – the last home of the thylacine!
Regional benefits
• Enhanced interest in the north-west coast as a place of interest for tourism
• Promotion of small local artisans and craft activities e.g. woodwork, jewellery, painting, etc•
• Increased expenditure of tourism dollars in Waratah small business enterprises
• Added pride for the region as being a real contributor to the State
• Word of mouth endorsement of the region
Facility Operation
•Principal activity is tourism visit to thylacine and viewing platform (overlooking Waratah Falls?)
• Secondary activity is use of “tail” slide by children (if it can be conducted safely)
• Adjacent tourism visitors centre and gift shop with conventional trinkets etc.
• Visitor’s centre would have visual displays (rolling DVD) of mining history at Mt Bischoff, Magnet and and ?? etc.
• Use of local identities to enhance visual display with personal commentary
Community Engagement
• Involvement of community and past mine workers
• Need to consult with community re location, size
• Consultation required with Waratah Wynyard Council on approvals, services, car parking etc
• Dialogue required with the Waratah Tourism
• Interaction with Tourism Tasmania and Western Wilds re facility standards and fit out
Surrounding Activities
•The Waratah Loop – Old Powerhouse and Ringtail Falls
• Philosopher Falls
• Magnet Tours
• Museum and Athenaeum Hall
• Olde style general store incorporating Tasmanian produce
• Bischoff Hotel
Financing Requirements
• Design and construction costs
• Operating expenditure
• Payroll
• Service
• Consumables
• Projected income/cashflow etc
• Payback period
Financing Options:
• Commercial loan facility
• Gov’t funding, including WWC
• Tourism Tasmania
• Cradle Coast Authority
• Private enterprise (via TMEC)
• Grange Resources
• A mixture of all the above
A myriad of things to be developed with the assistance of the community, the council, the state government, and an array of tourism authorities but surely if the TICT is supportive of toilet facilities on Maria Island this should be a no-brainer for Luke Martin!
John Powell was Born in Rushworth Victoria; educated at Dandenong High School and Monash University; National Service during the Vietnam War; employed in oil/gas, water, and the resources sectors; proud Celt; protector of environment and Aboriginal heritages; stubborn and resolute.
