TASMANIA - GATEWAY OF OPPORTUNITIES

THE PROCESS  

The Office of the Coordinator-General is responsible for managing the Tourism Expression of Interest (EOI) process and coordinating relevant internal and external advice in preparation for assessment by the Assessment Panel. The Assessment Panel will make recommendations via the Coordinator-General to the Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing. The Minister will consider the Assessment Panel's recommendations before presenting recommendations to the Minister for Parks for final decision. Should the Minister for Parks approve a project concept through the Tourism EOI process, this Minister will invite the project proponent to commence formal approval processes and if successful undertake lease/licence negotiations with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS). At the stage of concept approval, information including project name, proponent/s, project brief and progress through the Tourism EOI process will be made publicly available through publication on the website of the Office of the Coordinator-General.

ASSESSMENT

EOI Proposals that have not previously been considered by the PWS will be evaluated by an Assessment Panel against the following Assessment Criteria that encompass the guiding principles:

  • the appropriateness of the proposed development to a particular site
  • the qualifications of the participant to establish and operate the proposed development
  • the commercial and financial viability of the proposed development.

The Assessment Panel and the Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing may seek further information from the applicant and other relevant sources, including regulatory authorities, as required. Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT), and, where appropriate, the Aboriginal Heritage Council, will be provided the opportunity for input on each proposal, early in the assessment process. Projects that require built infrastructure must provide a higher level of financial and market information to demonstrate the financial and economic viability of such proposals.

If there are competing applicants for a particular activity or type of proposal at a site that all meet the eligibility criteria to a similar level, then a competitive process may be run to determine the most suitable and economically viable proposal(s) for the site.

Subsequent Steps

Should the project concept be approved by both the Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing and the Minister for Parks, the project proponent will be invited to commence formal approval processes (including a Reserve Activity Assessment (RAA) with PWS), and if successful in obtaining all relevant approvals as required under Australian and/or Tasmanian Government legislation, undertake negotiations for lease/licence arrangements with PWS. Note that if the proposal lies within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), proponents must demonstrate that their proposal is consistent with the requirements of the TWWHA Management Plan and the TWWHA Tourism Master Plan (both available from nre.tas.gov.au).

BUILT INFRASTRUCTURE

At minimum, submissions from those who seek a licence for an activity involving the minimal development of infrastructure (such as a mooring) or the use of existing Parks and Wildlife infrastructure (such as toilets and day use shelters) should include the following financial information.

  • The value of investment generated by the Proposed Development and the number of direct jobs that will be created, along with a timeline if the project will involve a staged approach through to completion.
  • The commercial viability of the Proposed Development, including any preliminary market analysis, project finances and how it is expected to provide a commercial return on investment.
  • The Applicant’s capacity to deliver the Proposed Development, including an outline of funding strategy.

Tourism EOI Proposals that require built infrastructure, such as buildings for accommodation, shelters, toilets and cafes, jetties, caravan parks, and lodges, or which could include such infrastructure, should also provide a business plan incorporating:

  • existing and /or proposed corporate structure
  • personnel and management experience
  • cash flow and balance sheet projections
  • market analysis
  • risk management plan.

Tourism EOI Proposals that are in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) must provide additional information on how the Proposed Development is consistent with the TWWHA Management Plan and TWWHA Tourism Master Plan.