Go-Ahead For Tarkine Tourist Road

04 February 2009

The $23 million Tarkine tourist loop road was today given the State Government go-ahead by Premier David Bartlett.

Meeting members of the Circular Head community in Stanley, Mr Bartlett announced the Government would build the road as a major driver for tourism growth in the region.

“It is appropriate in these difficult economic times that the Government makes strong decisions to build for the future.

“This investment shows the Government’s confidence in the future of tourism on the North-West Coast and our confidence in the strength of the Coast’s economy.

“This project will provide employment and economic activity in the short term and provide a wealth creating asset for generations to come.

“Our economic management of the economy over the past decade has Tasmania better placed than ever before to weather the impact of the global financial crisis.

“We are committed to continuing to invest in the future and the Tarkine road is an important part of that investment.

“The Tarkine was made a forestry reserve on the initiative of the Tasmanian Government and this project will enable more people to experience the beauty it is has to offer.

“There will be critics of this project but I believe good government is about showing leadership and being decisive.

“I appreciate the concerns of some of those opposed to the road but I assure them that we will make every effort to minimise the environmental impact of the new section of the road which is only 5.4km long.

“That is why 653ha of forest that were earmarked for harvesting will now be reserved forever.

“In other words, 100 times more area has been conserved than will be impacted by the construction of the short length of new road.”

“For Tasmania to continue to enjoy the best lifestyle in the world, however, we must push ahead with balanced development.

“And it is balanced development that is the key.

“We will continue working with those businesses impacted by this decision to ensure they too are able to benefit from the Tarkine Tourist Road.

The project involves the upgrading of 127km of existing gravel roads and tracks and completing a 7.6km link of which 5.4km will require new roading.

“It will take visitors from the Wynyard area, through forest, accessing the Tarkine’s attractions and connecting with the end of the Great Nature Trail at Arthur River, to complete a tourist loop through to Smithton.

“I am proud to lead a Government that is able to bring projects like this to fruition for the future benefit of all Tasmanians.”

Further information: Matt Rogers on 0408 563 957