Tourism Industry Calls for Rational Debate on Waterfront
The Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania has called for calm and rational debate about development proposals for Hobart’s waterfront.
TICT Chief Executive Officer Daniel Hanna said today the tourism industry for some time had been calling for action around the waterfront to meet growing tourism demand for better infrastructure and facilities.
“We welcome the announcement by Premier David Bartlett on ABC Radio this morning that he intends to make a major speech in a couple of weeks outlining the Government’s vision for the Sullivan’s Cove,” Mr Hanna said.
“There is an urgent need for improved ferry infrastructure and other associated facilities for Hobartians and visitors so that we can better take advantage of our magnificent harbour.
Mr Hanna said major developments such as Moorilla’s new Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), the redevelopment of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the new investments at Peppermint Bay and the proposal by the owner of Moorilla Winery David Walsh to redevelop Macquarie Wharf No 1 Shed would place enormous pressure on Hobart’s current inadequate infrastructure. Hobart has an acute shortage of high quality hotel accommodation all year round and at certain times of the year we struggle to meet demand.
“The increase in visitors we are expecting these developments to generate means we need to look at increasing the stock of accommodation and other facilities to meet the needs of additional high-yield visitors,” Mr Hanna said.
“People need to look at this calmly. Any projects planned for the waterfront will have to go through a full planning process, which is as it should be, so there will be a lot of opportunity for public consultation and debate.
“It is premature to have a public debate before we have firm projects on the table,” Mr Hanna said.
