Tourism peak body warns Rockliff government against keeping it in dark over Spirit of Tasmania project

The state’s peak tourism body wants a roundtable meeting with the Rockliff government to be reconvened so that issues relating to the beleaguered Spirit of Tasmania project can be discussed.

The new TT-Line boat Spirit of Tasmania IV in Finland. Picture: Rauma Marine Constructions

The state’s tourism sector has warned the Rockliff government against keeping it in the dark regarding the beleaguered Spirit of Tasmania project, with the peak industry body saying there is a “critical” need for clear communication about delivery of the new ferries.

The project has been hit with multiple delays and cost blowouts, as well as a raft of recent resignations from the board of TT-Line, the state-owned company administering the Spirits.

The government has recently appointed Ben Moloney, the project director overseeing construction of the new Bridgewater Bridge, to work with TT-Line and TasPorts and make sure the replacement ferries and associated berthing infrastructure is delivered.

Amy Hills, CEO Tourism Industry Council Tasmania. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It comes after upgrades to port facilities at Devonport stalled, requiring the new Spirits to run at reduced capacity until 2026 as a consequence.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has said the government had to “wrest control of the project” to ensure it was carried out effectively.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) CEO Amy Hills said the new Spirits would be “game-changing” but the project was at a “critical point”.

“As an industry, what we need now is stability and co-operation from everyone with a stake in this project to outline what the plan will be over the coming weeks and months around the new ship and berthing facilities,” she said.

The new TT-Line boat Spirit of Tasmania IV in Finland. Picture: Rauma Marine Constructions

“We know there’s work currently underway to do this but it’s also critical government communicates with industry, as it promised to do, every step of the way.”

Ms Hills said the TICT had an initial roundtable meeting with the government “a number of weeks ago” and would “like to see that … reconvened as a priority”.

“This is a time that we need to be working together more than ever rather than leaving a vacuum,” she said.

“There’s no doubt the events of the past few months have worried and frustrated many operators.

“The two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels are important for our visitor economy because they will bring more visitors who are able to explore our regions and support Tasmanian jobs.”

TCCI CEO Michael Bailey.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry boss Michael Bailey said the business community had “significant concerns” about the way state-owned companies such as TT-Line and TasPorts were operating.

“These businesses are vital to our economy and our communities and we would like to see them focus on how they can support the state and, in particular, work better together where possible to deliver for Tasmanians,” he said.

Originally published as Tourism peak body warns Rockliff government against keeping it in dark over Spirit of Tasmania project