EDITORIAL
Labor Leader Josh Willie
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone who contributes to Tasmania’s world-class hospitality industry an enjoyable Christmas and New Year. Tasmania’s reputation for wonderful food and drink, venues and entertainment wasn’t earned by accident, and everyone should be proud of being a part of it. While many sectors are able to wind down over the festive season, I know it can be the busiest time of year for some of you, and I hope you are able to balance spending time with friends and family with your other commitments. This year, many of you will have seen the approval of the Macquarie Point Stadium as an early Christmas present. As a new Labor leader, I’m proud that in the face of loud criticism from some sections of the community, we didn’t lose sight of the opportunity this project could bring to Tasmania. I’m proud that we didn’t lose sight of the thousands of exciting new jobs the stadium will bring – many of these in tourism and hospitality roles. And I’m proud that we didn’t lose sight of Tasmania’s opportunity to progress a dream held for such a
long time to take our rightful place in the AFL, and send a message that our state is open for business. Labor is a strong supporter of the tourism and business events industries who are looking forward to the stadium as the next great demand-driver to Tasmania, akin to MONA and Cradle Mountain, while opening the state to lucrative new markets in events and conferences. The stadium has already become symbolic of the state’s aspirations as a visitor, hospitality and events destination. Airlines, investors and event organisers are looking to the stadium development as Tasmania’s opportunity to take another great leap forward as a year-round visitor destination, and the local impact from having matches and events throughout the year will be massive – across the entire state. When the history books are written, I will be proud that Labor stood on the side of jobs, as we always have, backing infrastructure investment that will create opportunities across our economy. I hope this outcome fills you and your sector with the confidence to head into the New Year with positivity to continue growing and making Tasmania a richer place for everyone to enjoy.
17 Tasmanian Hospitality Review December/January Edition
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