Residents and tourism operators to gather for public meeting today

Residents, shack owners and tourism operators have been invited to discuss their thoughts on the revised Draft Freycinet Peninsula Master Plan today.

THERE will be one key question asked at a public meeting in Coles Bay on Monday— what future do you want for Freycinet?

Residents, shack owners and tourism operators have been invited to discuss their concerns with the revised Draft Freycinet Peninsula Master Plan from 11am at the Coles Bay Community Hall.

The 20-year plan focuses on infrastructure and investment, including services to “better manage” increased visitation to the peninsula.

Sophie Underwood (centre) of Freycinet Action network with (L-R) Jennie Churchill and Anne Held of the East Coast Alliance. Picture: PETER MATHEW

Key initiatives of the plan are improved wastewater management, a new visitor gateway, a network of transport connections, an entrance corridor and a network of experience nodes.

The plan was developed with input from the community and a steering committee comprised of representatives from Parks and Wildlife, State Growth, Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, East Coast Tourism, the Freycinet Association Inc and the Freycinet Destination Action Plan group.

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But Freycinet Action Network convener Sophie Underwood said locals remained concerned about whether overcrowding was adequately explored and addressed in the plan.

“The meeting will aim to explore positive solutions to the ever-increasing pressures on one of Tasmania’s most iconic areas,” she said.

“We’re going to discuss our key concerns with the master plan and put motions to the meeting about Freycinet’s future.

“The elephant in the room is capping visitor numbers over summer.

“I don’t want the peace, tranquillity and beauty of the area diminished by tourism. We want to ensure visitors and locals have a quality experience.”

Ms Underwood, Coles Bay resident Alaro Ascui and tourism operator and local resident Tabitha Badger will speak at the meeting.

Public consultation on the plan closes on Friday.

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