SCOTT BACON Opposition Spokesman for Tourism and Hospitality Opposition Report
It’s hard to believe that Parliament won’t sit again before the next election. The last four years have flown by and under the leadership of Rebecca White the Labor team is excited about contesting the election in March. I’ve been proud of the way we have responded to the bruising defeat in 2014. We’ve learnt from our mistakes, worked hard as a team and we now can offer Tasmanians a strong choice come March. If we are fortunate enough to return to government, we are determined to get on and do things. We have recently announced a $30 million commitment to building the cableway at Cradle Mountain which is a key part of the Cradle Coast Authority’s Masterplan. We understand it’s a big public commitment but we strongly believe it’s exactly the sort of project that governments should be investing in. Cradle Mountain is an icon but it needs to be looked after. A cable car would have multiple benefits in terms of improving access to Dove Lake and addressing congestion problems currently experienced in the carparks. And the Masterplan is predicted to increase visitation to Cradle Mountain by as much as 60,000 people each year. That would obviously have an enormous positive effect on the economy of the North West in general.
The flow on effects for the hospitality sector would be significant, which is one of the reasons why Labor is determined to get on with the job and make it a reality. The Cradle Mountain Masterplan is terrific but progress has been too slow. We need combined support from both the state and federal governments to make it a reality. We can’t still be talking about its potential in 10 years’ time. On another topic, I would like to extend my appreciation to the THA members who have given up their time to consult with Labor about the future of electronic gaming in Tasmania. This is a very important issue and Labor has been determined to genuinely consult with the people who will be affected by the end of the current arrangement in 2023. Being able to meet with THA members and their representatives face to face has been extremely important and on behalf of Rebecca White and the rest of the Labor team, I would like to thank you for your willingness to engage. And finally I’d just like to wish THA members and their families and very merry Christmas and a happy new year. It really is a brilliant time to live in Tasmania and while I know that many of you will be working harder than ever over the Christmas period, I hope you find time to spend with the people you love. I look forward to hearing from you in 2018.
Does your accommodation need a refresh? The Tasmanian Government is offering low interest loans to eligible Tasmanian tourist accommodation operators. The Tourist Accommodation Refurbishment Loan Scheme (TARLS) aims to improve and upgrade existing tourist accommodation facilities and increase the standard of accommodation so that they can offer a product and service that meets growing visitor expectations. TARLS provides loans of $50 000 to $1.5 million repayable over five years at a variable standard concessional loan rate in the order of 3.15 per cent per annum as at November 2017. For more information visit cg.tas.gov.au/tarls or contact Christine Lane at the Office of the Coordinator-General on 6777 2808 or email cg@cg.tas.gov.au
Department of State Growth
December 2017 www.australianhotels.asn.au
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