Visitors and locals welcome Bruny Island Neck carpark redevelopment

VISITORS to Bruny Island Neck are warming to a car park which was roundly criticised when it was completed five months ago.

The upgraded carpark at The Neck on Bruny Island. Pictures: ROGER LOVELL

VISITORS to Bruny Island are warming to the new car park at The Neck, which had been criticised when completed five months ago.

When work began on the site last July, environmentalists said the 24-space car park and sealing of the road would trash the world-renowned Tasmanian view.

When the upgraded carpark was unveiled in November, locals said the works had spoiled the iconic view to the west of the Truganini Lookout.

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Morgan North, of Margate, inset, with children Ollie, Lucy and Abi.

But when the Mercury visited The Neck this week, Tasmanians and interstate tourists who were there backed the change.

Margate mother-of-two Morgan North said the carpark made the popular tourist attraction much safer.

“It’s awesome. It’s so much easier to get the kids out of the car safely,” Ms North said.

“Once the plants grow back it will look really good.

“It’s always been such a good place to bring visitors because it’s so beautiful and quiet.”

Karen Bomford, of Perth, said it appeared the carpark was a necessary addition.

“I can see the pros and cons. It’s not as picturesque, but it’s necessary if you want people visiting,” Ms Bomford said.

“I’ve enjoyed the remoteness and it’s still a beautiful place, so I think it would be a shame not to share it.”

The upgraded carpark at The Neck on Bruny Island.

Locals have warmed to the sealed road connecting North and South Bruny.

Tourism operator Rob Pennicott said the carpark was a great improvement.

“It was unsafe, it was substandard. It’s a great improvement on previous years and the main thing is they’re looking after the penguins,” Mr Pennicott said.

The redevelopment also includes tunnels under the road and protective fencing for the penguin colonies in the area.

The colour of the bitumen on the newly sealed section of road has been lightened to make penguins more visible at night.