Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds’ tourism levy idea sparks backlash from Alderman Tanya Denison

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has been accused of planning to strip tourism dollars from Tasmanian businesses to subsidise her pet projects to compete with them.

Hobart Alderman Tanya Denison says Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds’ tourism levy plan will hurt Tasmanian tourism businesses. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

HOBART Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has been accused of planning to strip tourism dollars from Tasmanian businesses to subsidise her pet projects to compete with them.

But Alderman Reynolds said it was incumbent on council representatives to have an open mind to discuss policy ideas that may help improve Hobart tourism infrastructure without burdening ratepayers.

MORE NEWS:

FUTURE TASSIE: GP BOOST SEEN AS CURE

DENISON OR CLARK? VOTERS CONFUSED BY AEC LETTER

ABORTION SERVICE DELAY SLAMMED

Tasmanians support the idea of a visitor levy to help the state to cope with rapid growth in tourism and to fund public infrastructure.

A slight majority of 57 per cent say the state should introduce a visitor levy, while 43 per cent are opposed to the idea,according to an exclusive Mercury survey.

Ald Reynolds said: “There is no proposal for a visitor levy but the Mercury survey shows us that there is a lot of community interest in having a discussion about the options.”

She suggested the levy could free up council funds to pursue other projects like heritage tram rides to the Botanic Gardens.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds suggests the levy could free up council funds to pursue other projects like heritage tram rides to the Botanic Gardens. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

But Alderman Tanya Denison said every week she hears about new businesses in Tasmania serving the tourism sector and fears Ald Reynolds’ idea, if implemented, would hurt them.

“These businesses are creating jobs and new opportunities for Tasmanians, while giving tourists a wider range of experiences,” Ald Denison said.

“Unfortunately, Hobart’s Lord Mayor appears to want to take money away from Tasmanian businesses to subsidise her pet projects to compete with them.

“I have had conversations with people who support more funds being invested in tourism infrastructure.

“This is a completely different concept to redirecting tourism dollars from Tasmanian businesses and employers into subsidising the Lord Mayor’s pet projects.”