An East Coast regional development group has praised a $365,000 plan between the state government and TasWater to address wastewater infrastructure concerns in the Freycinet National Park region.
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With 310,000 visitors in the region during peak period the system is currently operating at capacity.
The planned feasibility study follows concerns raised in response to the Freycinet Peninsula Draft Master Plan which received 144 submissions.
Freycinet Association President Susan Carins said the announcement showed residents their concerns were being heard.
“Improving the wastewater infrastructure is about protecting the liveability for our residents, protecting the environment and ensuring we are meeting visitor expectations of our beautiful part of the world,” she said.
Ms Carins said helicopter and cruise ship access, boat parking and traffic management were other concerns held by residents.
Premier Will Hodgman said the right infrastructure was needed to sustain growth in the region.
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said high visitor numbers to the peninsula were degrading park values and the visitor experience.
“And its making life really difficult for people who live in Coles Bay,” Ms O’Connor said. “If we are going to be looking after Freycinet National Park, we need to have a cap on visitor numbers and not projecting a continual growth model as the Liberals are doing,” she said.
The Freycinet Draft Master Plan will undergo a second round of public consultation in early 2019.
