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The Tasmanian Greens today released their election commitment to develop a world class North West Coastal Cycleway to provide a single uninterrupted link between Devonport and Smithton, with Stage One estimated to cost $15 million and create 75 new direct full time jobs during construction.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that based on data from national and international examples the project will inject at least $2.5 million per annum into the local economy.
Mr McKim was joined by Greens Braddon candidate Paul O’Halloran to release the election commitment on-site of the proposed shared cycleway route along the Old Coast Road corridor.
“The Greens’ policy commitment to construct a shared North West Coastal Cycleway will assist establishing Tasmania as a world leader in bicycle tourism, will create direct and indirect jobs, boost local economies, and will be kind to the environment as it will encourage residents to leave their cars at home,” Mr McKim said.
“This proposal will create jobs, build local infrastructure, and help diversify the economy of the north-west coast.”
“This is the first step towards the Greens’ vision for Tasmania as one of the world’s premier cycle destinations.”
Mr McKim outlined the Greens’ North West Coastal Cycleway vision:
• Consists of two stages: Stage One is a 75 kilometre route linking Devonport to Wynyard, Stage Two would extend the cycleway another approximate 75 kilometres from Wynyard to Smithton, totalling an approximate 150 kilometres;
• Stage One will have an estimated $15 million construction cost for the corridor, plus $350, 000 for a feasibility study;
• Will create 75 new direct full time jobs in the construction phase;
• Will create at least 5 new permanent full time maintenance jobs;
• Will inject at least $2.5 million annually into the local economy;
• Will create flow on benefits, such as indirect jobs in accommodation, hospitality, and other areas within local communities;
• Will provide a safe recreational and commuter path for locals and visitors alike;
• Will grow Tasmania’s tourism industry while reducing the overall carbon footprint of visitors;
• Upon completion of both stages, Tasmania will have a cycleway of approximately 150 kilometres in length, rivalling the very successful Otago Central Rail Trail in New Zealand.
“The Greens envision that following the completion of a feasibility study and consultation with local governments and stakeholders, that Stage One of the NWCC will link the smaller existing pathways to provide a continuous 75 kilometre path of a consistent and safe standard from Devonport to Wynyard via Ulverstone and Burnie.”
“Stage Two of our proposal involves identifying a suitable route connecting Wynyard with Smithton, which would then provide a 150 kilometre cycleway capable of tapping into the rapidly growing bicycle tourism market.”
“This proposal will provide an obvious starting point for cycle tourists arriving in Devonport on the TT Line, and should encourage them to hit the trail to explore the north-west rather than immediately head inland or east towards Launceston,” Mr McKim said.
Sep20_NorthWest Coastal Cycleway Policy_N McKim_ATTACH.pdf
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
