BushwalkBushwalk
The Tasmanian government has a goal to transform Tasmania into the environmental tourism capital of the world to create jobs for Tasmanians and help reach a target of 1.5 million visitors a year by 2020.
Letter from the MinisterHon Matthew Groom MP Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage
Walking along the Cape Hauy section with Fortescue Bay in the background
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We want to give more Tasmanians and visitors the opportunity to experience our unique, world-class wilderness areas and other reserves. With 40% of Tasmania in 19 national parks and more than 800 reserves, this is an enormous resource for our community. This 40% includes the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) of 1.55 million hectares, or about 23% of Tasmania, protects internationally significant natural and cultural heritage, supports science and learning, and provides space for communities, healthy recreation, and wellbeing.
Tasmania has a worldwide reputation for amazing bushwalking opportunities, built largely on the success of the Overland Track, one of the world’s great wilderness walks. Not everyone in the community has the physical ability to undertake a walk of this difficulty and duration, so it’s important that we cater for all abilities. Our 60 Great Short Walks program does exactly that, offering 60 different walks of varying grades and distances, in a range of beautiful environments.
Providing these opportunities for people to connect with the outdoors is increasingly important in modern society. There are many
documented benefits to health from being active and switching off from the devices that increasingly dominate our lives. As well as bushwalks, our parks and reserves provide opportunities for simple, “quality time” activities such as picnics, camping, fishing and walking the dog, with family and friends.
Tasmania’s tourism industry is going through an exciting time, with increased visitation to the State and growing recognition nationally and internationally of the quality of our tourism experiences.
This government is committed to exploring the opportunities that our natural areas offer, and last year began an Expression of Interest process for sensitive and appropriate tourism offerings in our national parks and the World Heritage Area.
The response has been very encouraging, with 25 new high-quality project proposals proceeding through the process. The projects are spread throughout all regions of Tasmania and include a range of offerings such as multi-day guided lodge-based walking experiences, a tree-top adventure course, an overnight wilderness river cruise, mountain bike adventure precincts and accommodation offerings and a floating eco-
Hiker at a hut (artists impression)
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resort in the far south. These proposals are great examples of the opportunities we have for new tourism experiences and what we can achieve through leveraging our natural assets. By expanding the range and quality of nature-based tourism experiences in Tasmania, we will capitalise on Tasmania’s growing international reputation as a must-do and must-see adventure and nature tourism destination.
The EOI process represents an opportunity to attract up to $70 million worth of investment and the creation of up to 300 jobs. The net economic return to the State is estimated at nearly $30 million per annum.
While considering these proposals, the Government remains absolutely committed to the proper protection of natural and cultural heritage within our parks and reserves.
We are currently in the process of updating the plan of management for the TWWHA. This process has involved extensive
consultation with stakeholders and the broader community. I take this opportunity to assure readers that the Tasmanian government is listening and considering very carefully all views and opinions on this important process.
I’m aware of the strong desire that many people have in the bushwalking community to ensure that the wilderness values of the TWWHA are protected and maintained. I share this view. In finalising the new management plan we need to ensure the proper protection of the TWWHA’s natural and cultural heritage values and its wilderness character while at the same time being open to opportunities for sensitive and appropriate tourism experiences. I am absolutely committed to the proper protection of the outstanding universal value of the TWWHA consistent with our international legal and moral obligations to protect, celebrate and share this globally significant area.
The viewing deck at Munro cabins, with Cape Hauy in its sights
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Hon Matthew Groom MPMatthew is a seventh generation Tasmanian who lives in Hobart with his wife Ruth and their three young children. He graduated in Arts/Law with a major in political science, and is a Master of Laws.
He has over 15 years international business experience with a specific expertise in renewable energy. Matthew was a senior executive with renewable energy company Roaring 40s and was a lawyer in Melbourne and London. From 2004 he worked at Hydro Tasmania.
Matthew was elected to the Tasmanian Parliament in 2010. He’s the Minister for State Growth, Minister for Energy and Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage.
The ability of bushwalkers to enjoy the variety of experiences currently available in the TWWHA, will remain but will be enhanced by a greater diversity of experiences for all those who wish to experience the TWWHA on foot.
One very exciting bushwalking project is coming to fruition in Tasmania before the end of the year. The Three Capes Track will open to the first walkers on 23 December 2015. This project is already creating a great buzz in the travel and bushwalking industry. Named among the world’s hottest new experiences by the travel bible Lonely Planet, the Three Capes Track will soon be offering visitors access to the spectacular south-east coastal scenery.
The 46 kilometre journey of four days and three nights is a fantastic new tourism product for Tasmania. The Parks and Wildlife Service has partnered with award-winning tourism operators Port Arthur Historic Site and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys to deliver a seamless experience that includes a taste of Tasmania’s fascinating historic heritage, a scenic boat journey that delivers walkers to the start of the track, and a walk along the edge of Australia’s highest sea cliffs. The artfully constructed track will suit a wide range of ages and abilities, with accommodation in eco-friendly cabins. We can’t wait to show off this stunning new experience to Australia and the rest of the world.
Tasman Island with the old haulage base visible, with Cape Pillar behind
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