MEDIA RELEASE Cradle Coast Authority progresses Tarkine Tourism Development Strategy Friday May 8 2009
The Cradle Coast Authority continues to implement its important Tarkine Tourism Development Strategy with the recent completion of several visitor experience and information sites. And whilst locations such as Whyte Hill Lookout may not mean much now to non-locals, the Authority’s Regional Tourism Manager, Ian Waller, believes this and other Tarkine sites, will soon take their rightful place alongside other iconic Tasmanian tourist destinations. Following on from the successful unveiling of the $200,000 Tarkine Tourism Development Strategy late last year, almost $900,000 of additional Australian Government funds are being spent on enhancing selected locations within the Tarkine. A significant portion of the funding has already been spent on enhancing sites that include: • Whyte Hill Lookout $377,000 • Zeehan / Western Explorer / Savage River $164,000 • Waratah Gateway $60,000 • Arthur River – Edge of the World $45,000
“In keeping with Tasmania’s eco-tourism attractions, our Strategy has ensured that the environmental construction footprint is minimal and that recycled materials are used wherever and whenever possible,” Mr Waller said. Mr Waller said some of the funds and much of his team’s energy has also been put into the human element of integrating the Tarkine into the broader Tasmanian tourism “family”. “We’re exploring options to deliver training for visitor information centre staff across Tasmania as well as opportunities for tourism operator accreditation. Also in the design phase are two Tarkine specific brochures for next visitor season, designed to motivate people to visit the Tarkine as well as addressing their needs once they arrive. “The Nomenclature Board is currently considering the official use of The Tarkine as a place name which will help enormously by literally putting us on the map,” Mr Waller said. Mr Waller said recent discussions with government agencies and Indigenous communities across the region had also progressed the proposed Tarkine Aboriginal Tourism Plan. • The Tarkine Tourism Development Strategy www.cradlecoast.com/latest_news.html • Cradle Coast Authority www.cradlecoast.com Cradle Coast Authority
Media: General:
ahicks@cradlecoast.com or 0414 077356 admin@cradlecoast.com or 03 6431 6285