Federal election 2019: Opposition leader Bill Shorten pledges $120m to boost tourism in Tasmania, with $50m to ‘secure Mona’s future’

The new Mona hotel is in line for a huge funding boost if Labor wins power, with Opposition leader Bill Shorten pledging to invest $120 million in Tasmanian tourism.

THE new Mona hotel is in line for a huge funding boost under a Labor government as part of a $120 million investment in Tasmanian tourism.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten will stop in Hobart on the campaign trail today to pledge $50 million to help build public facilities at Tasmania’s number one private tourist attraction, if Labor wins power at next month’s federal poll.

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Public spaces in Mona’s development include a convention centre, theatre, library, auditorium and playgrounds.

Mona has submitted a development application for a $400 million, five-star, 176-room hotel to be built on the Berriedale peninsula, which includes a 1075-seat theatre, an outdoor stage and a conference centre for up to 1600 people. Picture: SUPPLIED

Opposition tourism spokesman Anthony Albanese and federal Franklin MP Julie Collins will join the Labor leader at Mona this morning to announce the funding package, which also includes $5 million to repair the Tahune Airwalk and infrastructure upgrades at Hastings Cave.

Mr Shorten said the hotel would deliver jobs growth.

An artist’s impression of the foyer of Mona’s new hotel. Picture: SUPPLIED

“The proposed development will create over 450 full-time construction jobs, including significant opportunities for apprenticeships, and an additional 120 jobs during the operational phase,” Mr Shorten said.

“Labor’s investment will secure Mona’s future as one of Tasmania’s main employers, educator and facilitator of progressive community building.”

An artist’s impression of the outdoor stage planned for Mona. Picture: SUPPLIED

Other projects included in Labor’s funding pledge are:

$10 MILLION for infrastructure projects at Freycinet National Park, which matches the Coalition’s commitment and includes an extra $2.8 million for an additional walkway to the Wineglass Bay lookout.

$5 MILLION for car park, visitor centre, road and facility improvements at Mt Field Nat-ional Park, and help to manage visitor growth.

$3 MILLION to upgrade community amenities and enhance the appeal of Beauty Point foreshore on the Tamar River.

$2.8 MILLION to help deliver stage three of the Agritas agricultural and forestry heritage museum in Smithton.

$300,000 for tourism trails across northern Tasmania.

$280,000 for the Dial Range Strategic Mountain Bike Plan in the North-West.

$80,000 to upgrade Launceston’s Junction Arts Festival’s Little Devil Tent.

Before today’s announcement Labor had already committed $30 million for Cradle Mountain, $8.8 million for the completion of the 110km North-West Coastal Pathway and $4.4 million for the George Town Mountain Bike Trail.

“Tourism underpins the Tasmanian economy, injecting more than $3 billion each year and supporting more than 40,000 jobs,” Mr Shorten said.

“Greater investment in tourism infrastructure is required . . .  to meet the expectations of visitors.”

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