Coles Bay residents are calling for a better sewerage system, as the tourism boom puts “stress” on the town.
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The Freycinet Association, a group representing business and community interests in the area, says the state government’s draft Freycinet Peninsula Master Plan needs a “reappraisal”.
The draft plan attempts to outline a sustainable path forward for the wildly popular area, with an aim of increasing visitor spending by $20.2 million per year.
While the association welcomed some components of the draft plan, such as a new visitor hub, it said a second draft of the plan was required to take into account residents’ concerns about Coles Bay’s capacity for dealing with increased tourism.
Chief among the FAI’s complaints is the lack of reticulated sewerage – systems of pipes that transfer raw sewage to a treatment plant - at Coles Bay.
FAI spokeswoman Susan Carins said improved infrastructure was needed at Coles Bay just as much as it was in the national park.
“We have major issues that relate to the lack of priority and consideration given to problems that the Coles Bay area faces with the pressure of visitors to Freycinet,” she said.
“The national park is inundated with visitors and Coles Bay becomes a town under stress.
“With inadequate infrastructure, we are ruining the very experience that brings people here.”
The FAI says sewage treatment at Coles Bay and Swanwick is not prioritised in the draft plan.
Mrs Carins said a proposed second draft of the plan should incorporate the FAI’s suggestions.
The draft plan can be viewed on the Parks and Wildlife Service website.
The deadline for public submissions is July 23.