Legacy issues resolved with Labor’s cash injection

Mona founder David Walsh has welcomed Labor’s funding commitment for the next stage of his vision.

MONA founder David Walsh has welcomed Labor’s commitment of $50 million towards the next stage of his vision for the site, as it could help the museum live on after his death.

The multi-millionaire gambler said it would be difficult for any state or federal government to keep Mona going after he dies, and its closure would have a negative impact on the Tasmanian economy.

“If I were to die right now, there would potentially be a considerable financial shortfall in the operation of Mona,” he said.

But he said Labor’s pledge of $50 million to the public facilities planned as part of Mona’s proposed $466 million hotel development could help keep the vision alive.

“The Labor Party commitment, if they are elected, potentially validates the financial package required to get the Mona hotel development off the ground,” Mr Walsh said.

“And this development will go some way towards resolving any potential legacy issues.”

Mr Walsh said the hotel development would secure Mona’s future as a major employer in Glenorchy and Hobart, through creation of 450 full-time construction jobs and 120 full-time employees.

Visiting Mona on Saturday, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said the $50 million in funding would go to Mona’s planned public facilities.

The funding is part of Labor’s $120 million commitment to tourism in Tasmania.

As well as Mona, Mr Shorten said Tasmania had many other “strings to its bow”.

He said the state’s natural environment needed better investment to help cope with growing visitor numbers.

The tourism package would include $10 million for infrastructure at Freycinet National Park, $5 million for Mount Field and $3 million for the Beauty Point foreshore.

The Federal Member for Grayndler Anthony Albanese (left) and Australian Opposition Leader Bill Shorten (right) are seen at MONA to announce that a future Shorten government will invest $120 million into Tasmanian tourism projects during a visit to Hobart, Saturday, April 27, 2019. Picture: AAP IMAGE/DARREN ENGLAND

Election Coverage: DAY 17. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten with Shadow Minister for Tourism, Anthony Albanese, the Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, the Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell and Labor’s candidate for Clark, Ben McGregor to discuss Labor’s commitment to Tassie tourism at MONA. Picture: KYM SMITH

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Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said it was an “extraordinary package that could lay the foundation” for Tasmania to be “one of the world’s premier visitor destinations”.

Mr Martin said the Labor package was unprecedented.

“This is a jaw-dropping outcome for our industry from this federal election campaign,” Mr Martin said.

Mr Shorten also pledged $7 million to a new Royal Flying Doctor Service base, including a new ward of up to 12 beds able to hold patients in the event of a natural disaster or pandemic.

He said it would help Tasmanians enjoy the same medical care as mainlanders.

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