There have been discussions for decades about the potential for Tasmania's only skifield, just one hour from Launceston, to become a major tourism and recreational precinct. Yet talk has never turned into meaningful action which is disappointing considering the potential.

The 2018 fire that destroyed Ben Lomond Alpine Hotel provides the perfect opportunity to review, plan and follow through with plans to develop the mountain into a key attraction for not only national and international tourists, but Northern Tasmanians too.

The walks and snow-based activities are poorly promoted, but with significant investment in infrastructure such as accommodation, restaurants, walking trails and marketing, Ben Lomond National Park could be a unique recreational tourism hub for the region's economy all year round.

In 2015, a $20,000 Ben Lomond feasibility study funded by various levels of government and groups found that the skifield will provide a major tourism and recreational product of state significance.

Yet the funds for the study appear to have gone to waste, just like the Ben Lomond Ski Slopes Plan 2010, which was generated by the Parks and Wildlife Service and not acted on due to financial constraints.

Four years ago, The Examiner reported that more needed to be done to keep snow on the mountain, groom the skifield and to promote the mountain's activities.

Then Ben Lomond Committee president Tony Gray also wanted more walking tracks, especially a 20-minute track from the village to Tasmania's second-highest peak, Legges Tor, that could link up with the existing Carr Villa trek to create a walking circuit.

Other walks coupled with supporting infrastructure would prove fruitful.

New president Berni Einoder said he has tried four times to get people behind building something special. It's time local, state and federal governments, tourism stakeholders, businesses and ski clubs come together and not only plan for an exciting future, but make it happen.