Clarence ready to share in tourism boom

ITgives me a sense of pride that so many people choose to visit the beautiful city in which we live, and are willing to pay good money for the privilege.

The rest of Australia, and the rest of the world, have recognised what we have known all along — Tasmania’s natural beauty, brilliant fresh and manufactured produce, rich history and cultural institutions, are world-class and visitors are scrambling to experience them.

While there are challenges associated with this tourism boom, I am more optimistic than Lord Mayor Ron Christie. I do not say this to criticise him.

He has raised legitimate issues about infrastructure challenges.

Demand for accommodation puts some pressure on the private rental market, and more people in taxis and rental cars add to congestion.

While visitor numbers have outstripped expectations, these are not insurmountable challenges.

The benefits don’t just include jobs and revenue for businesses. Visitors provide the economies of scale for infrastructure — visitor centres, carparks, toilets — that benefits visitors as well as helping maintain attractions for locals. If it wasn’t for tourists, residents may not have the opportunity to enjoy as many of the wonderful events — sports matches, markets, and yes, the Taste of Tasmania and Dark Mofo.

My family really enjoys these events as do many of our friends from Hobart and interstate. I believe overwhelmingly the positives outweigh the negatives.

Some of the questions facing governments include how we use land-use planning to encourage more visitor accommodation, or how we take a citywide approach to our transport system.

While it may take a while for locals to embrace ferries for their daily commute, they may serve as a means of taking some of the tourism-related traffic off our roads. It would certainly be a great way to experience our beautiful harbour.

Hobart’s City Deal — through which federal and state government are working with greater Hobart’s four councils to solve challenges — would be a great vehicle for addressing tourism challenges.

Part of the solution is to also spread the benefits — and the challenges — of the boom throughout greater Hobart.

I believe the municipality of Clarence has the potential to claim a larger stake of greater Hobart’s tourist market. Clarence City Council is supporting Destination Southern Tasmania’s Destination Action Plan for Richmond and the Coal River Valley. While many wineries or other ventures may have national recognition, the launch of a brand for Coal River Valley has the potential to add to the promotion of the area in itself rather than just a collection of attractions.

The council has endorsed a plan for a Cultural and Creative Precinct around Bellerive, Kangaroo Bay and Rosny Park. The Economic Development Plan 2016-2021 recognises the potential of other areas, including Rosny Farm and the South Arm Peninsula and Seven Mile Beach.

The Kangaroo Bay Urban Design Plan, developed over 10 years, is transforming this precinct into an attractive destination to enjoy dining, events like the Jazz Festival and Seafarers’ Festival, and passive and active recreation.

While Hobart’s Eastern Shore has many boutique accommodation offerings such as B&Bs, I am confident that by developing our attractions we will see more hotels.

I see a bright future for Hobart’s tourism market and a major role for Clarence City. Let’s work together at all levels of government so we can overcome the challenges of the tourism boom and realise a bright future for Hobart. Daniel Hulme is an alderman on Clarence City Council.