Mercury (Hobart)

Freycinet a winner no matter the result

- CHANEL KINNIBURGH

FREYCINET is set to get a multimilli­on-dollar facelift — regardless of who wins next month’s federal election.

Labor yesterday promised to invest $10 million in the Freycinet Master Plan.

The funding is part of a $250 million regional tourism and airports package announced by federal Opposition tourism spokesman Anthony Albanese.

Labor’s $40 million investment in existing tourism drawcards will include support for Freycinet, Western Australia’s Rottnest Island and Victoria’s Sovereign Hill.

Mr Albanese said the money would help improve infrastruc­ture around the existing regional tourism attraction­s to build upon their success and improve the experience of visitors.

The Coalition Government earlier this month announced it would inject $7.2 million into the East Coast peninsula to create new transport infrastruc­ture, shelters, lookouts and walkways.

The money would also cover an Aboriginal education program showcasing Freycinet’s rich indigenous heritage.

At the time, federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said Freycinet was a “must-see” attraction for domestic and internatio­nal tourists.

“We want tourists exploring Freycinet National Park, whether it be trekking to the Wineglass Bay lookout, lazing on the numerous white, sandy beaches or taking in the breathtaki­ng pink granite peaks to have access to the best possible amenities that enhances their experience,” he said.

The upgrades are part of the Coalition’s $50 million National Tourism Icons package announced in the Federal Budget.

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