Freycinet National Park has been given a $7.2 million nod in the federal budget.
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A portion of the $50 million National Tourism Icons package will go the attraction, Federal Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham said Tuesday, April 16.
The pledged $7.2 million includes: $5.7 million for a Visitor Gateway, including transit hub with new road access and car parking, shelter, and information area; $650,000 for an Aboriginal education program and expansion of the Discovery Ranger Program; $450,000 for a new Wineglass Bay lookout; and $400,000 for a foreshore walkway.
Mr Birmingham said the national park was a "must-see" attraction, with three quarters of visitors to the East Coast making a stop there.
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"Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania's fastest growing tourism destinations, with visitation increasing at an average of 14 per cent per annum over the past five years," he said.
"Tasmania has a much stronger economy now than when we were elected and this investment will keep creating more tourism jobs and businesses opportunities in Tasmania.
"This additional funding will create new transport infrastructure to reduce congestion and support the development of new shelters, lookouts and walkways throughout the National Park as well showcase the Freycinet's rich Indigenous heritage."
He said tourists spent $185 million during their East Coast visits each year.
"Tourism is a major contributor to the Tasmanian economy with domestic and international visitors spending a whopping $3 billion last year, injecting millions into regional areas," he said.
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