Hodgman pledges to drive tourism

THE Liberal Government will spend $72 million on roads to take tourism in Tasmania to the next level if re-elected in March, Premier Will Hodgman says.

A Liberal Government would deliver tourists a driving journey in every region of the state.

“This will build on the highly successful Great Eastern Drive, which has helped spur a 20 per cent increase in visitors to the East Coast, and work is already under way on the Western Journey Project,” Mr Hodgman said.

Three new journey projects have been announced: THE Northern Journey, taking in Greater Launceston and its surrounds, which could include Cataract Gorge, Woolmers and Brickendon estates and the Tamar Valley wine region. THE North-West Journey, building on the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, highlighting premium produce and iconic tourism experiences. THE Southern Journey, taking in Greater Hobart and its attractions, which could include Bruny Island, Tahune Forest Airwalk and Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs.

Mr Hodgman also announced new pledges on top of others revealed exclusively in the Mercury newspaper yesterday, including: $12 MILLION to build stopping bays and passing lanes on the Tasman Highway over the Sideling to Scottsdale and down the East Coast. $9 MILLION for road safety at entrances to tourism sites on the Great Eastern Drive. $8.3 MILLION for overtaking lanes on the Tasman Highway between St Helens and Diana’s Basin. $2 MILLION for the section of Sumac Rd which in bad weather prevents access to the Tarkine Drive. $500,000 for visitor facilities at stop points on the Tarkine Drive. $100,000 for an analysis of the travel demand and potential investment required on the Western Explorer Rd. $2.66 MILLION for City Gateway upgrades in the NorthWest.