A MAJORITY LIBERAL GOVERNMENT WILL: ⢠Invest $2 million in a mining exploration program. ⢠Phase out Cloud Seeding.
Supporting the West Coast
A MAJORITY LIBERAL GOVERNMENT WILL:
Invest $2 million in a mining exploration program Phase out Cloud Seeding Give payroll tax break to regional businesses Introduce a daily bus service to and from Burnie Invest more than $1 million in iconic tourism projects Invest $3.5 million on West Coast roads Trial a Hobart – Strahan air service
Deliver a stronger economy and more jobs
The West Coast has long been the economic power house of Tasmania and has a fantastic future in both traditional industries like mining and aquaculture, and emerging industries such as tourism, eco-tourism, and hospitality, with more and more visitors heading to the West Coast to see what this unique part of the State offers. A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will commit to giving the West Coast the support it needs to grow its regional economy and prosper.
$2 million mining exploration grant program Tasmania – and particularly Western Tasmania – is one of the most highly mineralised regions in the world. As a result, mining and minerals processing is a key pillar of the Tasmanian economy, contributing around 56% of the value of the State’s exports or almost $2 billion. Mining and minerals processing also provides thousands of direct and indirect jobs and is critical to many of our regional communities. The identification of new ore deposits and lodes is critical to the future sustainability of the industry and the jobs and communities it supports. Challenging market conditions in recent years has impacted on the amount of exploration activity in Tasmania. The Liberal Government will support industry to spend more on exploration so we can set up a future of strong activity in the mining sector and create more jobs. A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will establish a $2 million grant program providing matching dollar for dollar funding for mineral exploration drilling within Tasmania. The program will run for two years and will support 10- 20 drilling projects, with individual grants capped at $200,000. This commitment to boost exploration to help industry identify new discoveries will underpin the future of mining in Tasmania. Last year the Hodgman Liberal Government committed $9.5 million to CMT to undertake a number of projects essential for the re-start of operations at Queenstown’s Mt Lyell mine. That work is ongoing.
Our Targets #1 Reduce the unemployment rate to the best State in the Country by 2022 #2 Reduce the youth unemployment rate to at or below the national average by 2022 #12 50,000 tourism related jobs by 2022 #13 A 50% increase in the average per visitor spend by 2022 #14 70% of all visitors to stay overnight in regional areas during their visit to Tasmania by 2022 #37 No more land lock ups #41 Make Tasmania energy self-sufficient with an additional 1,000 gigawatt hours of onisland renewable generation by the end of 2022
Deliver a stronger economy and more jobs Phase out Cloud Seeding by 2022 Members of the West Coast community are frustrated by Hydro Tasmania’s cloud seeding program.
Why Tasmania Needs This
The West Coast naturally receives a high level of annual rainfall, which is often augmented by cloud seeding to bolster Hydro dam levels.
Tasmania has come a long way in the past four years.
Many West Coast residents believe that the cloud seeding program unnecessarily increases rainfall over the towns of the West coast and potentially impacts infrastructure.
Our economy is stronger, 10,000 more Tasmanians are in work, we’ve employed more nurses and doctors, more young Tasmanians are completing year 12, and the budget is back in the black.
A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will, in consultation with Hydro Tasmania, phase out cloud seeding, starting with the King and Pieman catchments which are closest to West Coast population centres. The Government has a target to be 100 per cent energy self-sufficient by 2022 and with major new developments like the Granville Harbour windfarm and hydro upgrades coming online we can afford to act on the concerns of West Coast residents. The Government will work closely with Hydro Tasmania during the phase out and will not compromise the prudent water management levels which we have increased to provide greater energy security.
Western Journey A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will take the success of the Great Eastern Drive and deliver that, in an individual way, to every region. Since the delivery of the Great Eastern Drive we’ve seen a 20 per cent increase in visitors to the East Coast. Work is now underway on a Western Journey Project, which will drive tourism to the West Coast and create a unique experience for visitors.
But there’s still a long way to go. And while every region of the Tasmania is a better place now than four years ago, we understand that the closure of Mt Lyell Mine and the isolation of the West Coast has put additional pressure on those living in the region. The West Coast has long been the economic power house of Tasmania and has a fantastic future in both traditional industries like mining and aquaculture, and emerging industries such as tourism, eco-tourism, and hospitality, with more and more visitors heading to the West Coast to see what this unique part of the State offers. A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will commit to giving the West Coast the support it needs to grow its regional economy and prosper.
Deliver a stronger economy and more jobs Better bus services for the West Coast The Tasmanian Liberals are committed to delivering a sustainable public transport system for Tasmanians both now and in the future. The Hodgman Government has delivered on its promise to introduce a bus service linking West Coast towns, including Queenstown and Strahan, with Burnie. This service provides residents with greater access to the nearest major service centre and to complementary services between Burnie and the North West Regional Hospital. West Coast passengers can now make connecting journeys to access other locations and amenities including Devonport, the Spirit of Tasmania and the Mersey Community Hospital. This service will be extended to seven days a week, from the current two per week, providing West Coast residents a daily bus service from Queenstown and Strahan to Burnie linking through to Devonport and Latrobe. Fast and frequent public transport services supporting key towns will support the creation and development of vibrant, healthy, liveable and connected communities.
Intra-regional bus service A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will provide $100,000 towards the establishment of an intra-regional bus service that will connect Queenstown, Strahan, Rosebery and Zeehan. This will help support work opportunities for locals, as well as providing better access to centralised Council facilities and bus departure points.
Roads for the visitor economy A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government is committed to building Tasmania’s infrastructure for the 21st century. As part of this program we will invest:
$2 million for the section of Sumac Road which prevents, in bad weather, access to the Tarkine Drive; $500,000 for visitor facilities at stop points on the Tarkine Drive, including rest and picnic facilities, walking paths and travel information; and $100,000 to conduct a study into the travel demand and potential investment required on the Western Explorer Road.
Deliver a stronger economy and more jobs West Coast Heritage Centre We will commit $100,000 to continue upgrades of the West Coast Heritage Centre at Zeehan.
Hobart-Strahan air service Tasmania’s West Coast community is arguably the most remote community in Tasmania, as the Bass Strait islands enjoy regular passenger transport by air. A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will trial a Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) air service between Hobart and the Strahan Airport. The trial will involve six flights weekly – with a return service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We will seek a private sector provider to operate regular flights to and from the Strahan airport and trial the service for two years at a maximum cost of $300,000.
Paragon Theatre restoration A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will invest $20,000 towards the restoration of the historic Queenstown theatre. The funding will be used to replace windows at the front of the building and assessment of remediation needed for the subsiding floor.
Supporting Aquaculture The Tasmanian Liberals are committed to supporting Tasmania’s $730 million salmon industry which supports more than 5000 in regional areas including the West Coast. Tasmania’s salmon industry is world class and the Hodgman Liberal Government introduce a suite of regulations and environmental oversight so that all Tasmanians can be assured about its sustainability
Stakeholder Support The support shown to Mt Lyell by the Government and the community had been “staggering”, (CMT owner Vedanta Deshnee Naidoo, Mercury 28/4/2017)
"At the end of the day, the Government, I think has provided sufficient funding in the short term for us to get some jobs on the ground and there's no big pot of dollars so I think we've done quite well," (Mayor Phil Vickers told ABC online 22/1/2015)
Deliver a stronger economy and more jobs Granville Harbour Wind Farm A re-elected Liberal Government has a target to make Tasmania energy self-sufficient with an additional 1000 gigawatts hours of on-island renewable generation by the end of 2022. In January, construction of the West Coast’s $280 million Granville Harbour Wind Farm commenced which will help Tasmania achieve our renewable energy target. Once completed, the wind farm will have 31 turbines providing 112 megawatts of capacity, enough to power more than 46,000 homes.
$200,000 to expand Macquarie Heads Campground We have already announced a grant of $200,000 to the West Coast Council to improve infrastructure and secure an expanded Macquarie Heads Campground. This grant will double occupancy, adding a further 100 camping spots, while also allowing the West Coast Council to ensure existing structures meet health and building standards.
Payroll tax break for regions A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government has developed a Regional Jobs and Investment Incentive to speed up economic growth in areas outside the greater Hobart area. This package, which has a target of creating 600 new regional jobs, will provide payroll relief for up to 3 years for any business that relocates to Tasmania and establishes its operation in a regional area. The Co-ordinator General will also partner with regional councils to develop packages that build on this payroll tax relief by offering additional support, like rates and building fee relief, so that this relocation offer is the most attractive in Australia.
Deliver a stronger economy and more jobs $125 million Affordable Housing Strategy Every Tasmanian deserves a roof over their head, and reducing housing stress and homelessness is a top priority under our Plan A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will provide an additional 1500 new affordable homes for Tasmanians across the State, and a range of supports that will provide housing for around 2000 households.
Strahan Ocean Beach Track The Active Strahan walking track network is used by locals and visitors alike. A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will provide $150,000 towards the construction of an unsealed walking and cycle track linking the town walking track to Ocean Beach.
West Coast Wilderness Railway A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will continue to back the West Coast Wilderness Railway as the key visitor experience for Tasmania’s West Coast. Under the Hodgman Liberal Government, $18.5 million has been invested in this heritage rail icon. This investment has resulted in a major reduction in derailments on the line and passenger numbers have risen accordingly, along with revenue. We will ensure ongoing funding for the West Coast Wilderness Railway beyond the expiry of the current funding arrangements. We will conduct an annual review of the operation's working capital in the context of its internal revenues and expenses and any extraordinary capital items and provide financial assistance as required.
Corinna Boat Ramp During the 2016 floods, the Corinna Boat Ramp was damaged. As one of the few points of access to the Arthur River, a re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will invest up to $50,000 to remediate the damage and ensure users can safely access the river.
Deliver a stronger economy and more jobs Sports club support Supporting grassroots sporting organisations is one of the best ways to increase participation in sport and recreation. A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will support the following West Coast sports clubs: • • •
$4200 for an electronic target board for the Strahan Rifle Club; $3,080 for training equipment and uniforms for the Rosebery Toorak Football Club; and $4000 for LED lighting for the football ground, used by the Queenstown Crows Football Club.
Job Ready Generation 2.0 Mountain Heights and Rosebery Schools have extended to Year 11-12 as part of our Job Ready Generation policy to give every child, no matter where they live, the best education and shot in life.
West Coast roads Package - $3.5 million The West Coast has been a key driver of Tasmania’s economy for more than a century. The region’s contributions through mining, fishing, aquaculture and tourism are disproportionally high. The high-rainfall climate of the region also requires higher-than-average expenditure on maintenance. All these industries rely on a safe, efficient road link and a re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will continue the development work along the Murchison Highway. As a priority we will reconstruct some sections of the Henty Main Road between Zeehan and Strahan, where weather and heavy vehicle damage to pavement is evident. We will work with the West Coast Council on other priority projects under a program of works that is commensurate with the economic contribution made to Tasmania by the mighty West Coast.
Deliver a stronger economy and more jobs
More Paramedics for Regional Tasmania A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will recruit an additional 42 Paramedics to improve services and reduce fatigue in regional areas, including 15 in North West Tasmania and on the West Coast. We will recruit progressively based on areas with the greatest need, with all stations upgraded by 2022. This will reduce paramedic fatigue and increase ambulance responsiveness on the West Coast.
Rural Hospital and Ambulance Station Upgrade Fund A re-elected majority Hodgman Liberal Government will provide $15 million for capital improvements over three years at Tasmania’s rural and regional hospitals and ambulance stations. It is estimated that $10 million will be spent on rural hospitals, and $5 million will be spent on ambulance stations, but the final allocation of funding will be based on areas with the greatest need. These works will be planned with local councils, to ensure we provide the community with the facilities they need and deserve.
Ambulance Volunteer Support Package A re-elected Hodgman Liberal Government will provide $800,000 per annum for enhanced support for volunteers, including: • • • •
Reimbursement of our of pocket expenses; Enhanced equipment for training volunteers; Formal recognition of skills developed, including Advanced First Aid certificates; and Review operational responsibilities to ensure that all volunteer stations have support from a Branch Station Officer.
Deliver a stronger economy and more jobs Tasmanian Community Health Fund A re-elected Hodgman Liberal Government will provide $6.6 million to establish the Tasmanian Community Health Fund, to provide grant funding to individuals and groups with ideas to improve the health of their community. The scope of the fund will be deliberately broad, to allow consideration of any initiatives that will improve the health of Tasmanian communities. This might include, for example, the purchase of first aid training, mental health first aid training for a local group or community, or the purchase of medical equipment, as well as preventive health measures.
Community Defibrillator Fund A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will establish a defibrillator fund, providing an additional 180 community defibrillators over two years.
West Coast Jobs Action Plan In partnership with the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Tasmanian Council of Social Services, we have extended the $4.08 million Jobs Action Plan to the West Coast. The plan will: • • • • •
connect local job seekers to local business and industry with vacancies or growth potential; support local job seekers with the right skills and training, and work placements, for local business and industry; help local young people complete the qualifications they need to fill locally-identified jobs; support long-term unemployed with pathways into work with small and medium businesses; and target mentoring and helping older Tasmanians re-skill and participate in jobs in their local economy.
Deliver a stronger economy and more jobs $1.075 million for West Coast tourism icons A re-elected Hodgman majority Liberal Government will ensure the visitor experience at Strahan matches its unrivalled historic and natural assets. We will invest: •
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$375,000 to transform the West Coast Visitor Information and Booking Centre on Strahan’s Esplanade into a vibrant, modern Visitor Experience Centre; $400,000 to improve the visitor experience on Sarah Island, in Macquarie Harbour, including upgrades to tracks, building conservation and new interpretation signs; and $300,000 to bring the historic Strahan Bond Store up to the standard required so we can open an EOI process for a tourism or community development.
