Access from mainland will help growth, Tas
A new Access Strategy will be implemented in order to fuel growth in the economy and tourism markets, according to tourism minister, Scott Bacon.
Air and sea services connecting Tasmania to mainland Australia are of significant interest for the growth of the state.
The Access Group recently announced that they would work towards identifying a measurable approach to access development and performance to and from the state, said Mr Bacon.
“The working group understands the broad social and economic impact of access to and from Tasmania, and a key focus of this group is to consider these elements when developing strategies for improving access,” he said.
The strategy will be implemented at the beginning of the 2012/2013 financial year.
Meanwhile, Launceston will become a growth spot on the back of tourism and council-funded development.
With more than $300 million per annum contributed to the Launceston economy by tourism, the council has suggested that infrastructure and facilities be funded in the area to stimulate growth in Tasmania’s Northern region.
Over $1.2 million has been pledged to spend on facilities and infrastructure, over a two to three year period, with a focus on connecting the most popular tourism sites together, said the Launceston City Council’s Main Report for Launceston Strategic Tourism Plan.
“Facilitating tourism investment, particularly into the use of inner city heritage buildings and stimulating inner city living for permanent and temporary users [is a point of focus],” the plan said.
The spending will contribute to an overall goal of making the region one of the most popular tourism sites within 10 years.
“Council has a role to play in addressing development and infrastructure requirements which will not only assist in growing visitor markets, but will also benefit the local community by offering more recreational facilities and amenities as well as higher employment and increased visitor expenditure,” the plan said.
Tourism is currently one of the top five employment sectors in the area, with 2,200 jobs generated by the industry. In the Northern Tasmania region overall, tourism contributes $447 million and 3,000 jobs, with Launceston being a significant economic growth force.
The plan, from Stafford Group, said that Launceston was set to become a boutique heritage city that would attract a younger crowd.
Public comment will close in March after discussions with investors and developers in the sector.