16 new jobs will be created in Tasmania’s North-East as a result of an exciting new tourism development getting the go ahead as part of the Government’s EOI Process for new Tourism Opportunities in National Parks and Reserves.
Blue Derby Pods Ride will offer visitors the chance to experience our world-class scenery and fine Tasmanian food and wine. Blue Derby Pods will also offer visitors unique, pod-style accommodation.
Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage Matthew Groom said that Blue Derby Pods Ride is a great example of what the Government set out to achieve with the EOI Process, with a fantastic proponent showcasing Tasmania to the world.
“If we are going to grow our visitor numbers, we need to expand the range of experiences and this new development will do just that.
“It’s also terrific to see that as a direct consequence of this Government policy, more jobs are being created in regional Tasmania. It’s a win-win result for Tasmania and this new attraction will generate benefits for the regional economy.”
The Blue Derby Pods Ride will offer visitors access to the Derby Regional Reserve and will tap into nearby mountain bike tracks. The accommodation will include features designed to reduce the impact on the environment including solar panels, composting toilets and manually pumped showers.
“The Blue Derby Pods Ride proposal was assessed by an expert panel chaired by the Coordinator-General and they recommended to me that it be approved. The Government will now negotiate appropriate lease arrangements for the site,” Mr Groom said.
“The Coordinator-General and his team are now working through the remaining EOI proposals and I look forward to more successful applicants being announced in the near future.”
Liberal Member for Bass Sarah Courtney said that it is great to see exciting and innovative private investment in regional areas of Tasmania.
“The vision and drive of this project’s proponents, Tara and Steve Howell, is to be applauded.
“I am so pleased to see job creation in the north east of Tasmania as well as tourism initiatives that showcase the spectacular natural environment of the region.”
Matthew Groom, Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage Sarah Courtney, Liberal Member for Bass
