Tasmanian Forest Tourism Initiative
Tourism is Tasmania's primary growth industry. Visitor numbers have almost doubled in the last ten years. The industry contributes more than $1 billion each year to the State's economy and directly employs more than 22,900 people (Tourism Council Tasmania).
The Australian Government is keen to foster this valuable and growing industry. Tasmania's ancient forests and other natural features are at the core of the State's attraction for tourists. Carefully managed development of forest-based tourism will ensure the economic and commercial benefits of Tasmania's unique forest environment are realised, while conservation values are protected.
Read the Tasmanian Forest Tourism Initiative fact sheet.
About the initiative
Through the 2005 Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement, the Australian Government is funding a $3 million Tasmanian Forest Tourism Initiative to assist the development of environmentally sensitive tourism infrastructure in Tasmania.
The Initiative aims to enhance visitor access and experience of Tasmania's unique forests.
The Initiative incorporates two related programmes:
- Tasmanian Forest Tourism Development Programme ($2 million)
- Tarkine Bushwalk Programme ($1 million)
The common objectives of both Programmes are to:
- protect and promote conservation values;
- develop environmentally sensitive tourism infrastructure;
- provide experiences that appeal to a broad range of visitors; and
- promote long-term economic benefits from tourism.
Applications for grants now closed
Grant applications under the Tasmanian Forest Tourism Initiative closed on 9 March 2007. Applications are currently being assessed.
Using a competitive grants process, proposals will be ranked on merit against other proposals by an assessment panel, and recommendations made to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts for approval.
Further information
Contact the Community Information Unit on Freecall 1800 803 772 or email fps@environment.gov.au
- Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement
- Tasmanian Forest Tourism Development Programme
- Tarkine Bushwalk Programme
- Tasmanian Forest Conservation Fund
- Forestry Contacts
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