Ms BADGER – Premier, one of the problems that Tasmanians have with the tourism EOI process is the lack of transparency. Looking at that web portal, I’m particularly curious about the Circa Morris-Nunn floating hotel concept for Recherche Bay. The website says it’s been an accepted concept but it appeared years ago and there hasn’t been anything since. On the website one condition is very clear that proponents must demonstrate significant process towards seeking project approvals in order to continue in the EOI process and they have to give that proof within six months of being accepted. In adhering to that condition, as it hasn’t happened with this project, can we assume that the Recherche Bay proposal has been withdrawn or discontinued by the Coordinator-General?
Mr ROCKLIFF – Thank you very much for the question. I’m more than happy to put these questions to the Coordinator-General later on. My apologies, I was interrupted because I want to provide an answer to your previous question as well. As per the established process and change to project status, such as withdrawals, are noted at the relevant subsequent assessment panel meeting to the change. Then they are progressed through the normal processes including probity and other sign offs before the website is updated. It is a lot of surprise that there may be differences between RTI materials and the website on occasion because of timing. There’s no attempt to hide any withdrawals and the OCG will investigate whether any changes should be made to internal processes for maximum efficiency and transparency in light of the timing.
I am made aware that on Monday 8 July the Cradle Base Camp experience submitted by the Tasmanian Walking Company was incorrectly changed to project withdrawal as a result of an administrative error. This error was rectified on 12 July and the website listing was changed back to the correct status which is in which is in formal assessment and approval processes such as reserve activity assessment underway, if I’ve clarified at least the first question.
Ms BADGER – Premier, after COVID there was a growing recognition from destinations around the world that are reliant on nature-based tourism, such as Tasmania, to shift towards a regenerative focus at low to no impact with high yielding opportunities and New Zealand’s really led the way in this space. They’ve made it a mission to become a dark skied nation. They have three dark sky sanctuaries and five reserves. Tasmania has far superior dark skies, Premier. When are we going to get a dark sky sanctuary in south west Tasmania, as has been proposed by several community groups? What steps are being taken?
Mr ROCKLIFF – Thank you for the question. I was recently in the Tasman district and had a briefing from either the council or sectors of the tourism, because I had a roundtable, with the tourism sector and they spoke about this a lot. There are some criteria around dark skies in terms of the breadth of it and there is some work to make sure it fits within that criteria. I’m just going from memory here, but you’re right in terms of Tasmania continuing to be the drawcard for our natural landscapes and visual fields as star attractions.
