INVESTOR-READY, five-star $100 million hotel development proposals in Northern Tasmania are being sought by the federal government to entice potential international investment.
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Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb was in Launceston yesterday, spruiking the need for the North to get Asia-ready in light of the burgeoning Chinese middle class, with the same time zone and a desire for the products and the state’s natural beauty.
Mr Robb met with Launceston Chamber of Commerce members in the morning before viewing refurbishment works under way by the JAC Group at the Penny Royal site.
‘‘It’s quite an exciting time really – the world is awash with cheap money, looking for safe [investment] homes and with the free trade agreements providing a huge impetus for the food and wine experience,’’ Mr Robb said.
‘‘And Tasmania is very much on the radar because of President Xi’s visit to Tasmania but also just the natural endowment – what Tasmania and Northern Tasmania has got to offer.’’
Mr Robb said there was a lot of money in other parts of the Asia Pacific region ‘‘that could really set this place alight’’.
He said agriculture and wine would be significant industries but tourism opportunities could be enormous.
Chamber executive officer Maree Tetlow said following the briefing, they were invited to advise the government of any five-star hotel or eco-lodge development opportunities that might attract potential international investment.
‘‘This is an exciting opportunity that we will definitely investigate further,’’ Ms Tetlow said.
Mr Robb said his visit to Penny Royal was an example of the diversity of experiences that could be offered to tourists to the city.
When asked on his thoughts about the JAC Group’s request for the Launceston City Council to seek $4 million in federal funding for public infrastructure works, that includes a slip lane and parking for access to a gondola ride, Mr Robb said Bass Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic had been ‘‘unbelievably successful’’ in getting federal grants.
‘‘So watch this space, is my view,’’ he said.
Mr Nikolic said there wasn’t just a focus on the Penny Royal works but also cleaning up the Tamar River, the Silo Hotel and North Bank works, that he described as having the potential ‘‘to be our Salamanca’’.