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Press Release
North West Tourism Potential to be Realised
12 June 2008
The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, today welcomed the announcement of the first stage of a $23 million new tourism initiative.
Ms Wriedt said the Tasmanian Government would establish a North West Tourist Road that will link a number of existing road sections in the North West to connect to the Great Nature Trail.
“The Budget has allocated $1 million in 2008-09 for planning and consultation into the planned North West Tourist Road,” she said.
“The Tarkine region of the North West has long been seen as a significant potential tourist drawcard.
“The Tarkine has a number of existing tourist attractions and this will allow more visitors to appreciate the beauty of the region which currently has limited access.
“This will include the upgrading of existing roads, nature trails, visitor facilities and interpretative services at key sites to provide a unique nature-based tourism experience.
“Recently I launched Tourism 21, the joint government-industry strategic business plan. One of the core strategies of Tourism 21 is to encourage experiences which allow people to discover something new and different in Tasmania.
“This proposal will deliver significant economic and community benefits to North West Tasmania.
“The exact route of the road is to be determined by further consultation with key stakeholders.”
“Ms Wriedt said the State Government would work closely with the relevant stakeholder groups in the area to plan and develop the region into a North West eco-tourism hub.