1 November 2019
Funding to unlock Freycinet’s tourism potential
Freycinet’s status as one of Tasmania’s tourism icons has been recognised with the unlocking of $7.2 million in funding that will upgrade and future-proof the area for generations to come.
The Federal and State Governments have now signed a National Partnership Agreement, which will see the funding for Freycinet begin to flow from next month.
Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Jonno Duniam said the funding was part of the Morrison Government’s $50 million National Tourism Icons package that will support jobs and regional economies across the nation.
“Freycinet is one of Tasmania’s fastest growing tourism destinations, with domestic and international visitation increasing massively over the past five years,” Senator Duniam said.
“This funding will allow the completion of vital upgrades to ensure the Freycinet visitor experience remains of the highest level and is sustainable in the decades to come, while also encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more in the Coles Bay area.
“This includes a Visitor Gateway transit hub, a new lookout over Wineglass Bay, an Aboriginal education program, and a new foreshore walk that will connect Coles Bay to the National Park.
“There is no doubt that Freycinet is one of Tasmania’s most stunning locations and I am proud to be part of a Government that is taking action to both preserve and enhance it for all to enjoy.
“Our Government is committed to backing regional tourism and doing whatever it takes to unlock the potential of our regions, and experiences like this will encourage even more visitors out of the city centres to experience the unique tourism attractions Tasmania has to offer.”
Tasmanian Minister for Parks Peter Gutwein said the projects were fantastic news and would complement works already underway from the State Government.
“We have a long-term plan to attract more visitors to our state, encouraging them to stay longer, explore our regional areas and spend more while they are here,” Minister Gutwein said.
“Tourism is a key driver of our economy and we cannot take our tourism success for granted nor underestimate the contribution it makes to our economy with a record $2.46 billion dollars spent by visitors last year creating jobs in every corner of the State,”