Coles Bay Jetty

Freycinet Community Applauds Commitment to Replace Vital Jetty

The communities of the Freycinet Peninsula are delighted that following public discussion about the dilapidated Coles Bay Jetty, the Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, the Hon Michelle O'Byrne, MP today announced that the State Government will provide funding to replace it.

The Freycinet Peninsula is one of Tasmania's iconic tourist destinations and receives over 200,000 visitors a year and the Coles Bay jetty is a focus for both visitors and locals. A report earlier this year found that the jetty had deteriorated badly and it faced closure unless repaired or replaced. The Freycinet Association Inc (FAI) is gratified by the strong support it received from the Government, the Liberals, Greens and broader Tasmanian community.

"The Freycinet Association congratulates the Minister for obtaining this essential public funding and thanks the government for its commitment to replace the jetty," says Malcolm Ward, President, Tourism, of the FAI. "We now look forward to consultation from Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) to ensure that the redesign ultimately meets the needs of all of the stake-holders."

Mr Ward says, "Whilst pleased at the prospect of a replacement for the jetty, this is of course only maintains the status quo. Coles Bay and surrounding towns are bursting at the seams every summer and infrastructure has not kept up with rising visitor numbers. In the forthcoming election, we will be looking for commitments from all parties to ease the pressure on the town and environment by improving facilities in the region."

Some crucial upgrades include:
* Adequate funding for the Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure track maintenance and provision of facilities such as composting toilets at places such as Wineglass Bay;
* Provision of a turn-off lane on the Tasman Highway at the intersection with the Coles Bay Road, currently a dangerous junction;
* Sewering the town, so that over-loaded septic systems don't pollute our pristine waterways.

A Freycinet Association meeting and free sausage sizzle will be held at the jetty this Sunday, 1 November from 12pm onwards to which the community is invited in order to celebrate the government's announcement of today. Parks and Wildlife staff will be on hand to give an update.

ENDS

For more information contact:
Malcolm Ward: President, Tourism, the Freycinet Association
0411 267 453
www.wineglassbay.com

Masterstroke Group
SYDNEY BRISBANE NOOSA
(02) 9231 7650 www.masterstroke.com.au


SOURCE: FAI