A Shorten Labor Government would invest $120 million in key Tasmanian tourism projects to manage growing visitor numbers and unlock future jobs growth as well as the state’s potential as a world class destination for domestic and international tourists.

Tourism underpins the Tasmanian economy, injecting more than $3 billion each year and supporting more than 40,000 jobs.
 
A combination of challenges including significantly increasing visitor numbers, as well as the tourism sector’s reliance on its prestigious, unique natural environment means that greater investment in tourism infrastructure is required – not only to keep pace and sustainably manage this growth, but also to meet the expectations of visitors.
 
Labor has already announced it will invest $30 million in Cradle Mountain, $8.8 million for the completion of the 110 kilometre North West Coastal Pathway and $4.4 million for the George Town Mountain Bike Trail.
 
Labor’s announcement today builds on these previous commitments.
 
Mona
 
Labor will invest $50 million in Mona’s proposed development to support public facilities including a new convention centre, theatre, library, auditorium and playgrounds, while delivering significant jobs growth.
 
Since opening in 2011, Mona has contributed to the growth of Tasmania as a visitor destination for domestic and international tourists.
 
In 2017-18 alone, Mona contributed $135 million to the Tasmanian economy and $165 million to Australia’s GDP.
 
While Mona currently provides 370 full time jobs, and up to 500 during busy periods, the proposed development will create over 450 full time construction jobs, including significant opportunities for apprenticeships, and an additional 120 jobs during the operational phase.
 
The new convention centre will also provide Tasmania with an opportunity to grow its share of the national market for business events, generating even further economic activity.
 
Labor’s investment will secure Mona’s future as one of Tasmania’s main employers, educator and facilitator of progressive community building in the LGA of Glenorchy City Council, greater Hobart and Tasmania more broadly.
 
Freycinet Management Plan
 
Labor will invest $10 million to fast-track priority visitor infrastructure projects within Freycinet, which is Tasmania’s most visited National Park.
 
Labor’s investment will include:
 

• $5.7 million for a visitor gateway and transport hub with new road access, car parking, shelter and information area.
• $650,000 for a First Nations education program and the expansion of the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Discovery Ranger Program to allow visitors to learn about local First Nations cultural practices and heritage.
• $450,000 for a new Wineglass Bay lookout.
• $400,000 for a foreshore walkway.
• Labor will also invest $2.8 million to provide an additional walkway from the car park to the lookout.

 
This would address immediate pressures on the Park; expediting the development of the proposed Freycinet Gateway Visitor Hub; enabling a sustainable transport solution for visitor access to the Park; and stimulating new private investment opportunities and economic activity in the surrounding region.
 
Mt Field National Park
 
Labor will invest $5 million in the Mt Field National Park to improve facilities and sustainably manage the significant growth in visitor numbers.
 
This is particularly important given the impact of the bushfires earlier this year on the region.
 
Labor’s investment will enable upgrades to the car park, visitor centre and roads within the park, which are urgently required.
 
Tahune Airwalk and Hastings Cave Infrastructure
 
Labor will invest $5 million to repair the Tahune Airwalk and upgrade infrastructure at Hastings Cave following the devastating bushfires in the Huon Valley earlier this year.
 
Local communities and businesses have called for this investment, which will help remediate areas damaged by the fires and ensure the Tahune Airwalk remains a premium tourism product.
 
Similarly, upgrading the Hastings Cave infrastructure will help encourage visitors to the area by diversifying visitor options and ensuring more money is spent in the region.
 
Agritas Tourism Development
 
Labor will invest $2.8 million in the Agritas tourism development, located in Smithton.
 
This invest will support delivery of Stage 3 of the project, which will see the construction of a world class heritage and interactive museum that recognises the agricultural and forestry heritage of the region.
 
Dial Range Strategic Mountain Bike Plan
 
Labor will invest $280,000 in the Dial Range Strategic Mountain Bike Plan to attract more visitors to the North West.
 
The next stage of this project will provide riders access to the iconic ridgelines of the Dial Range and open up the expansive coastal and mountain views afforded from atop its dramatic cliff lines. The long climbs and descents provided by the 12 kilometres of new trail will be unparalleled in Tasmania. Importantly, the trails will provide the vital missing link between existing northern and southern trail networks in the Dial Range.
 
The Cradle Coast Authority estimates that the entire project will contribute $42.7 million to the regional economy and create up to 475 full time jobs.
 
Beauty Point Foreshore Development
 
Labor will invest $3 million in the Beauty Point Foreshore Development to ensure this vision becomes a reality.
 
This project will improve the visitor experience, better connect the foreshore to the town, upgrade community amenities and enhance the appeal of Beauty Point as both a general visitor destination and Tasmania’s leading small luxury cruise ship port.
 
Tourism Trails
 
Labor will invest $300,000 in tourism trails across northern Tasmania to provide strategic shared pathways that link destinations, while creating local job opportunities and improving liveability for residents and visitors alike.
 
These projects are:
 

• A new shared pathway from the eastern end of East Beach to Bellingham.
• Completion of the trail between George Town and Low Head, linking the George Town Pilot Station to the Low Head lighthouse.
• Constructing the first section of a shared pathway commencing at the Hillwood pontoon picnic ground to the Egg Island Bridge. This has been identified by the local community as a key priority.

 
Junction Arts Festival
 
Labor will invest $80,000 to upgrade the Junction Arts Festival’s Little Devil Tent, which is a community asset and performance space, designed and built in Launceston.
 
The Little Devil is an integral part of the five day multi-arts Junction Arts Festival, which occurs annually in September in Launceston.
 
Labor’s $120 million investment recognises the important role tourism plays in the Tasmanian economy, particularly as a generator of jobs.
 
Only Labor will provide the investment required to unlock and sustainably manage further growth in the tourism industry so that Tasmanians can continue to benefit from the boost to the economy that this critical sector brings.