Tourism Industry Coincil Tasmania

Spirit Spotlight - 20/11/24

Spirits Update - Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Since committing to sorting the Spirits, fixing our GBEs and backing in the tourism and hospitality industry, important work has progressed.

A few weeks ago, I held the second Industry Roundtable to provide an update on the berth infrastructure for the new Spirits and the significant $28 million tourism and hospitality package that the Tasmanian Government recently announced.

The Roundtable provided a chance to come together and discuss opportunities for the tourism and hospitality industry, ask questions and consult on the pathway forward.

Work has now turned to finalising the details of the tourism and hospitality package, in partnership with T21, to ensure each measure is targeted and delivers the benefits the industry needs.

We have convened a working group to advise on the design and implementation of the package, which comprises TICT, THA, Regional Tourism Organisations, our airports, TT-Line, TasPorts, Tourism Tasmania and the Department of State Growth.

This working group met on the 14th of November and will meet again in two weeks to provide further advice on the visitor boosting package.

As part of our ongoing consultation with industry stakeholders, we have added 28 additional sailings for the current Spirit of Tasmania vessels in January, February, April, May, September and October 2025.

We will, of course, continue to work with TT-Line on delivering even more additional sailings.

As a result of the additional sailings, plus TT-Line’s work to rearrange its vehicle decks to optimise the availability of high space from January to April 2025, more than 300 vehicles have been cleared from the waitlist.

We know there is demand for people travelling with caravans and high vehicles, and these actions are helping to boost patronage and increase capacity for freight.

Earlier this month, I joined project manager Paul Kirkwood to tour the works at Berth 3 in Devonport, with construction now underway on the main vehicle ramp.

As Premier, I’m proud that we have three Tasmanian firms delivering more than 50 per cent of the project, supporting local employment opportunities.

Together, BMD Constructions and Fitzgerald Constructions Australia, who delivered Spirit of Tasmania’s Geelong Port facility, in partnership with Bridgepro Engineering and Tasmanian companies Gradco and Vos Constructions will deliver this project.

Bridgepro Engineering is driving 100 piles for the project’s fixed shore ramp and we expect that about 60 per cent of the pile driving work will be completed by Christmas, subject to geotechnical conditions and weather.

While this work is completed, action is underway to identify potential leasing or chartering options for Spirit IV to deliver the best possible financial outcome for Tasmanians.

Spirit IV will be temporarily relocated to Scotland while work is underway to identify potential leasing or chartering options to deliver the best possible financial return for Tasmanians. It is expected that the vessel will leave Finland at the end of this month.

We remain committed to ensuring the vessels are fitted out with local content and I can confirm that majority of this content has now been installed, including carpet and window furnishing for cabins, appliances and equipment.

The finishing touches - such as artwork, mattresses and blankets and throws have already been purchased from Tasmanian businesses with the timing of the final installation to be determined following any leasing arrangements that are made.

I have been clear that we will fix our GBE’s and ensure that Tasmanians are at the top of their organisational charts, acting in the best interests of Tasmanians – always.

We recently announced that our Government is embarking on landmark reforms to ensure Government-owned businesses act in the best interests of Tasmanians.

As part of these reforms, we will consult on a proposal to merge TasPorts, TT-Line and TasRail into a unified government-owned entity. You can find out more on these reforms or make submission at Government Business Governance Reform | Treasury and Finance Tasmania.

As part of our efforts to back the tourism industry, a new campaign to inspire Tasmanians to make the most of the longer days and enjoy everything our beautiful State has to offer has been launched and we hope it results in more Tasmanians eating in restaurants and cafes, experiencing our unique tourism offerings and exploring our regions.

This is in addition to our popular Come Down For Air interstate campaign which is running throughout NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia until March 2025.

Finally, I am pleased to confirm the return of Dark Mofo in 2025 – made possible through our government’s investment of $21.6 million, securing the event for the next three years.

Targa Tasmania will also return, ensuring 2025 is set to deliver significant economic benefits for the tourism and hospitality industry as we seek to stimulate visitation and encourage regional dispersal.

I look forward to continuing to work with industry to finalise the details of the tourism and hospitality package.

The next Industry Roundtable will be held in the new year, with the smaller working group meeting more regularly to feed into the T21 process.

Yours sincerely,

Jeremy Rockliff
Premier of Tasmania