Mystery plan for reviving Huon

Planning has started for a new world-class tourist attraction in the Huon Valley to help the region’s visitor economy after the closure of the Tahune Airwalk.

Fire damage at Tahune Airwalk in Tasmania. Picture: SUPPLIED

PLANNING has started for a new world-class tourist attraction in the Huon Valley to help the region’s visitor economy after the closure of the Tahune Airwalk.

The airwalk was damaged by the recent bushfires and it might not reopen until the end of the year.

Tahune Adventures Tasmania owner Ken Stronach said he was expecting about 100,000 people to visit the airwalk this year – until the bushfire hit.

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Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders said the extended closure of the airwalk would leave a huge economic hole that needed to be filled.

She said all three tiers of government and the state’s peak tourism body were discussing plans to create a new attraction.

Aerial images of Tahune Airwalk after the fires. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“We need something of significance down that way between Geeveston and Southport that will bring back foot traffic of over 100,000 people,” Cr Enders said.

“There are a lot of businesses in pain who are going to find it tough without a drawcard tourist attraction to the area.”

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Cr Enders wouldn’t reveal details of the new tourist development, but said a proposal had been put forward and further information would be revealed soon.

“[The proposed development] will capitalise on the area’s dramatic landscape and it will also excite the senses of visitors.

“It will also keep people overnight. But all this comes down to funding.”

Aerial images of Tahune Airwalk after the fires. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the council was working on a strategy to support the region over this peak visitor period and for the rest of the year.

“The loss of the airwalk for an extended period of time is a serious blow for the far south,” he said. “The industry has put some quite exciting ideas forward to all levels of government on opportunities to stimulate visitation to the far south.”

The tourism plan comes as the State Government moves to run more cruise ship passenger excursions to bushfire-affected areas.

“The Government is working hard on a number of initiatives to boost and support tourism as part of the bushfire recovery effort,” Premier Will Hodgman said.

“Tourism Tasmania is working with cruise ship operators to provide new passenger day trips to the Huon.”