Tasmania’s adventure tourism numbers are set to get a boost thanks to Hydro Tasmania’s plans to conduct two separate water releases down the Cataract Gorge each year for the next five years.
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The utilities company will release 18 to 20 cubic metres per second for up to eight hours on each of the days, allowing kayaking enthusiasts to white-water-raft down the popular tourist attraction during these events.
The water releases will be made possible due to the new valves installed in the Trevallyn Dam, which allow for more control and flexibility, according to Hydro Tasmania.
Hydro Tasmania director of wholesale energy services Gerard Flack said the new initiative will improve tourist numbers to the region, while also providing a great opportunity for local kayakers.
“While providing clean, secure energy is Hydro Tasmania’s first priority, we also take pride in supporting recreational water users,” he said.
“As proud Tasmanians, we’re very pleased to support the activities that enrich Tasmanians’ lives.
“This is a great opportunity to support Tasmanian paddlers while also promoting Northern Tasmania as an adventure tourism destination - linking with other activities such as mountain biking.”
Tourism throughout Tasmania contributed $2.79 billion to the Gross State Product, about 11 per cent of total GSP, in the 2015-16 financial year, according to Tourism Tasmania.
Northern Tasmania alone saw 600,000 tourists visit the region in 2016, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year.
Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer Jan Davis said the announcement will prove successful in lifting those numbers even further.
“This is a win-win-win announcement,” she said.
“It will enhance our cultural and social landscape, it will generate significant economic activity, and flushing the gorge will also assist with water pollution issues in the Tamar basin.”
The timing of the days will be kept consistent from year-to-year to ensure potential interstate tourists can plan ahead to visit the gorge and other parts of Northern Tasmania.