MORE than 30 potential proponents have expressed interest in developing tourism ventures in the state's national parks and World Heritage areas. Environment Minister Matthew Groom yesterday told State Parliament that 37 expressions of interests had been received, but the locations would remain confidential until passing the first assessment stage. "The EOI [expression of interest] process has attracted a wide range of new and exciting proposals, from nature-based experiences through to accommodation and associated tourism related infrastructure," Mr Groom said. He said the result demonstrated there was an "extraordinary level of interest in the tourism potential of Tasmania". Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the figure exceeded expectations. "It shows the process has worked," Mr Martin said. "It's stimulated the market to come forward." Mr Martin said the process would lead to a "small but exciting group of new tourism products". But Greens parks spokesman Nick McKim called on the government to reveal the location of the proposals. "What we are seeing is a secret process to enable development of the people's parks," Mr McKim said. "There is no excuse for not revealing which areas in our national parks are being eyed off by developers," he said. Mr Groom said all usual planning and environmental approvals would apply. "It is disappointing but unfortunately not surprising that some green groups are trying to scaremonger about a very positive opportunity for Tasmania, and have made up their mind that our wilderness areas should be locked away and inaccessible to visitors." Development proposals that pass the first stage will be assessed by newly appointed co-ordinator-general John Perry.
MORE than 30 potential proponents have expressed interest in developing tourism ventures in the state's national parks and World Heritage areas.
Environment Minister Matthew Groom yesterday told State Parliament that 37 expressions of interests had been received, but the locations would remain confidential until passing the first assessment stage.
"The EOI [expression of interest] process has attracted a wide range of new and exciting proposals, from nature-based experiences through to accommodation and associated tourism related infrastructure," Mr Groom said.
He said the result demonstrated there was an "extraordinary level of interest in the tourism potential of Tasmania".
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the figure exceeded expectations.
"It shows the process has worked," Mr Martin said.
"It's stimulated the market to come forward."
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin
Mr Martin said the process would lead to a "small but exciting group of new tourism products".
But Greens parks spokesman Nick McKim called on the government to reveal the location of the proposals.
"What we are seeing is a secret process to enable development of the people's parks," Mr McKim said.
"There is no excuse for not revealing which areas in our national parks are being eyed off by developers," he said.
Mr Groom said all usual planning and environmental approvals would apply.
"It is disappointing but unfortunately not surprising that some green groups are trying to scaremonger about a very positive opportunity for Tasmania, and have made up their mind that our wilderness areas should be locked away and inaccessible to visitors."
Development proposals that pass the first stage will be assessed by newly appointed co-ordinator-general John Perry.
