Public Environment Report Tarkine Forest Drive ... - Transport

Extended visitor stays - most visitors are likely to stay extra night(s) to enjoy theforest wilderness and coastal attractions due to new opportunities to stop andenjoy/observe the environmentThe ability to travel in a circuit, avoiding the need to cover the same route twiceThe provision of a low risk travelling environment (i.e. a sealed, speed controlledroad).Other regions will also benefit from promoting new Tasmanian tourist icon – “TheTarkine” – through flow on effects.Economic benefitsA Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) has been developed for the Tarkine Forest Drive and isprovided later in this document. As a minimum, the following benefits are expectedfrom the development of the project:Construction activities will create jobs and boost the economy while underconstructionMost of the direct spending benefit will occur in the North West communitiesbetween Devonport and Arthur River, all of which will provide the accommodation,services and employees required at attractions in and around the TarkineThe increased tourist access and activity are expected to have a significanteconomic spin off.Safety benefitsThe road at present is predominantly used for forest harvesting operations and theroad configuration has evolved to meet the needs of this industry. Aspects of thecurrent road network, particularly signage and intersection configuration, are notappropriate for the anticipated increase in traffic volumes, especially where light andheavy vehicles interact.A benefit of the project will be the installation of road signage and improved roadsurfaces. These measures will greatly improve safety.The road will be designed to provide additional safety benefits, such as the provision ofa consistent sealed pavement for the entire road length.Facilitation of future ecotourism and other developmentThe project is a logical extension and major enhancement of Tasmania’s Great NatureTrail. DIER has been working with Tourism Tasmania, Forestry Tasmania (FT) and otherkey stakeholders to optimise the implementation of the project’s tourism potential.Construction of the Tarkine Forest Drive will facilitate future development in the NorthWest through:Opening up the area to organised toursCreating a loop road to encourage visitors to spend more time in the North WestPromoting existing attractionsAllowing visitors with hire cars to access areas previously off limits due toinsurance restrictions or perceived issues on unsealed roadsDeveloping and improving tourist facilities within the State ForestCreating potential for significant attractors to create ‘iconic’ Tarkine experiences.Ref: HB09080H001 PER Tarkine Drive 33P Rev 00/DL/CL/jw 5