Tasmanian Business Reporter February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 

T A S M A N I A’ S L E A D I N G B U S I N E S S P U B L I C A T I O N . C I R C U L A T I O N 12,000 M O N T H LY 

Full speed ahead 

It’s all go for Tassie 

• Tourism flying high, p3 • Job numbers build, p8 • Export orders for Incat, p9 

Poll backs 

council 

mergers 

Strong Australia 

Network Business 

Luncheon 

14 February 2019 

Hotel Grand 

Chancellor 

Hobart 

RSVP: 7 February 2019 

By TOM O’MEARA 

BUSINESS leaders are increasing 

pressure to dramatically reduce 

council numbers in Tasmania following 

a damning poll. 

The Tasmanian Chamber of 

Commerce and Industry has long 

advocated the need to cull the 

number of councils, last year revealing 

a bold plan to downsize 

councils from 29 to three. 

The suggestion attracted strong 

support from business and domestic 

ratepayers with opposition 

from government and Local Government. 

But, politicians may now be 

swayed by public opinion with 

more than three quarters of Tasmanians 

(76 per cent) believing 

there are too many councils in the 

state, according to a poll by the 

Mercury newspaper. 

The poll also showed that 83 

per cent of Tasmanians supported 

merging with 29 local government 

areas deemed unacceptable. 

And voter support for cutting 

councils and merging has increased 

since previous polls which 

encouraged the Government to introduce 

a voluntary amalgamation 

process – a move that has since 

failed. 

Some councils have agreed to 

merger discussions but have been 

stymied by neighbouring councils 

who don’t want to change. 

TCCI CEO Michael Bailey said 

it was time to rattle the cage. 

Continued page 2 

JENNIFER 

WESTACOTT 

BOOK NOW 

ALAN 

JOYCE 

www.tcci.com.au/Events/Strong-Australia 

or phone 1300 559 122 

FRANCES 

BENDER 

EVENT PARTNERS 

MICHAEL 

BAILEY 

MIKE 

GRAINGER


2 Tasmanian Business Reporter - FEBRUARY 2019 

NEWS 

Fires delay windfarm works 

BUSHFIRE in the state’s 

Central Highlands have halted 

construction of Goldwind 

Australia’s $300 million Cattle 

Hill Windfarm. 

Forty eight wind turbines 

will be built near the Waddamana 

power station as part of 

the wind farm project which 

will return to construction 

phase once the severe fire 

threat eases, expected as we 

go to print. 

With the project planned 

to be fully operational by 

late this year, 120 staff have 

been on site since last year to 

prepare for the arrival of key 

equipment. 

TasPorts has welcomed the 

first of the 68.75-metre-long 

blades to Bell Bay ready for 

transport to the site. 

TasPorts Acting CEO Anthony 

Donald said it was a 

major infrastructure initiative 

to coordinate. 

“This has been a complex 

project coordinating logistics 

between all involved parties,” 

he said. 

“We are expecting all turbine 

components to arrive 

across six shipments over the 

coming months. 

“The components will be 

The first of the 68.75-metre-long blades at Bell Bay ready for transport. 

stored inside the port at Bell 

Bay before making their way 

to the project site via road 

transport.” 

The Cattle Hill Wind Farm 

will have the capacity to power 

63,500 Tasmanian homes. 

Goldwind Australia Managing 

Director John Titchen 

said the Cattle Hill Wind 

Farm project continued to 

have significant local benefits. 

“Goldwind appointed Hobart-based 

Hazell Brothers 

to undertake the full civil and 

electrical works for the project 

and Launceston-based 

company Gradco to undertake 

road upgrades to allow 

for the delivery of wind tur- 

This will 

be a huge 

economic 

boost for the 

West Coast 

and 

North West 

bine components and associated 

equipment,” he said. 

Up to 150 staff are expected 

on site during the peak of construction. 

Construction is also progressing 

on the $280 million 

Granville Harbour wind farm. 

Nearly 100 sections of wind 

turbine towers, each weighing 

almost 150 tonnes, have been 

transported from Burnie Port 

to a holding facility behind 

Bunnings Warehouse before 

they move on to their final 

destination. 

The 52-metre long, 6.1-metre 

high components were escorted 

by State Growth Transport 

Safety Officers in one of 

the largest road-based movements 

ever seen in Tasmania. 

“With Granville Harbour 

and Cattle Hill under construction, 

and Robbins Island 

and Jim’s Plain in the 

pipeline, more than 350 construction 

jobs have already 

been injected into regional 

communities with more than 

400 construction jobs and 95 

ongoing roles on the table,” 

Energy Minister Guy Barnett 

said. 

“This will be a huge economic 

boost for the West 

Coast and North West.” 

The Government’s Tasmania 

First energy policy aims 

to make our state fully renewable-energy 

self-sufficient 

and to have the lowest regulated 

power prices by 2022. 


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Poll supports council mergers 

From page 1 

“Following the Mercury 

poll, we are taking 

a front foot approach to 

introduce community forums 

around the state and 

listen to the discourse of 

the community,” Mr Bailey 

said. 

“It’s not just the business 

sector calling for 

change but I hear all 

the time from ratepayers 

complaining about 

costs and wasted projects 

which don’t work and 

money goes down the 

drain.” 

Mr Bailey said the 

WANTED 

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need for change was too 

strong from all angles 

not to continue pressing 

the State Government regardless 

of the promise 

before last year’s election 

that there would be 

no forced mergers for the 

term of this government. 

“Sometimes governments 

have to bite the 

bullet and listen to the 

huge community support 

and change direction,” 

he said. 

“I find it hard to understand 

that if 83 percent 

of the state want mergers 

then surely it couldn’t be 

looked on as a broken 

Your Partner 

in Print. 

www.footandplaysted.com.au 

Now incorporating 

THE CRAFT LIVES ON. 

promise. 

“After all, the days 

have gone when every 

town in Tasmania needed 

a local council - what’s 

needed is more transparency 

in the sector.” 

Mr Bailey said it was a 

ridiculous system of over 

government – with duplication 

of services costing 

the community and business 

tens, if not hundreds 

of millions of dollars. 

Tasmania has 29 councils 

and 263 councilors, 

for a population of just 

over 500,000 people, 

ranging in size from 

under 1000 people on 

Flinders Island to more 

than 67,000 people in 

Launceston. 

While councils in the 

north, south and south 

east have opened up with 

nearby councils to reduce 

costs and add size 

and grunt to the new 

council, merging is yet to 

happen. 

With the Tasmanian 

economy at its strongest 

in recent history, the 

TCCI said it would continue 

to push for the support 

of Government and 

Opposition to reform local 

government as a major 

priority.


Tasmanian Business Reporter - FEBRUARY 2019 3 

Tourism flying high 

TOURISM in Tasmania is 

booming and the associated 

financial spin off is pushing 

the state’s business economy 

into record breaking territory. 

Tills are ringing right across 

the state, with small businesses 

on the verge of turning over 

a billion dollars in a single 

year for the first time. 

Tourism Industry Council 

of Tasmania figures 

show that since September 

2015, spending in Tasmania’s 

2000 or so tourism 

businesses has increased 23 

per cent to nearly a billion 

dollars in the 12 months to 

September 2018. 

Tourism Industry Council 

of Tasmania Chairman 

Daniel Leesong said accommodation 

and transport 

services accounted for the 

majority of tourism spending 

in Tasmania (about $1.5 

billion of the nearly $2.5 

billion expenditure. 

But, hundreds of unique 

producers, providores, tour 

guides and venues, among 

others, are also seeing the 

benefits of a buoyant sector. 

“It’s exciting to see that 

the more retail-orientated 

tourism businesses are in 

the midst of a billion dollar 

boom of their own,” he said. 

“This shows the tourism 

industry is absolutely fun- 

Support grows for bold waterfront vision 

A LOOMING Federal 

Election could ensure 

Hobart gets its chance for 

a “once in a generation 

Sydney Opera House” 

moment. 

Momentum is building 

as industry leaders promote 

the re-imagining of Castray 

Esplande and the CSIRO 

site. 

The tourism industry last 

year released its bold vision 

to relocate the CSIRO to 

Macquarie Point - with 

pressure now ramping up 

Above and Beyond’s seaplane flies over the Derwent River and Wrest Point. 

damental to the economic 

fabric of Tasmania. 

“It’s bigger than the value 

of salmon and forestry industry 

exports combined.” 

New ventures are literally 

flying high. 

Above and Beyond’s seaplane 

hit the skies above 

Hobart early in summer, 

offering passengers scenic 

flights over Hobart and to 

hot spots like Three Capes, 

Stewart’s Bay, Bruny Is, 

Pumphouse Point at Lake 

St Clair and Saffire at Freycinet. 

Gerald and Henry Ellis 

started Above and Beyond 

to bring something unique 

to the Derwent and the skies 

of Tasmania. 

More destinations are already 

being added and there 

for political support ahead 

of the Federal Election, due 

within months. 

The development of 

the area includes visions 

of a maritime museum, 

water-edge swimming pool 

and improved spectator 

infrastructure for the Sydney 

to Hobart Yacht Race. 

“We have an opportunity 

to capture the energy and 

vibrancy of the Taste of 

Tasmania and the summer 

festival period year-round 

by activating the wateredge 

of Castray Esplanade,” 

TICT CEO Luke Martin 

said. 

“There is no better place 

in Australia than the Hobart 

waterfront over this one 

week of the year, and it 

makes zero sense why 

these areas are left largely 

dormant for the remaining 

51 weeks of the year.” 

Hobart alderman Simon 

Behrakis is backing the 

Castray Point push, tabling 

a motion for the Hobart City 

Council to back the plan. 

are plans to add more aircraft 

to the fleet. 

“We have just been given 

approval to operate into 

Bathurst Harbour, Port Davey 

and Lake Pedder, we are 

waiting on similar approval 

to come through for Lake St 

Clair, Maria Island and Freycinet 

Peninsula,” Henry said. 

“We are hoping this will 

come through within the next 

three to four weeks,” he said. 

TICT CEO Luke Martin 

said there were many opportunities 

for new businesses in 

the state. 

“It’s important that we continue 

to look for innovative 

ways to develop and diversify 

our industry and share what 

is really special about Tasmania,” 

Mr Martin said. 

Destination Southern Tasmania 

CEO Alex Heroys said the 

new service was just the latest 

in a wave of new developments 

coming on line that were aimed 

at high-value, high-yielding 

customers. 

“There are other new examples 

on the market that are 

aimed at this type of customer 

– the Tas Walking Company’s 

Three Capes Lodge Walk and 

the incredible Evolve Spirit 

Bar at MACq01 hotel, to name 

two,” he said. 

“In the year ending September 

2018, we welcomed 1.3 million 

visitors who stayed more 

nights and spent a record $2.4 

billion in our communities, up 

4 per cent from previous year.” 

The industry is set to be even 

further enhanced, with the eyes 

of the nation’s tourism leaders 

to be focused on the state 

when Launceston’s Cataract 

Gorge hosts 800 at the Qantas 

Australian Tourism Awards on 

March 1. 

An artist’s impression of the Castray Point precinct. 

NEWS 

Bell 

Bay 

mill 

planned 

A $50 million hardwood rotary 

peel and engineered timber 

mill is being planned for Bell 

Bay. 

Patriarch Resources Pty 

Ltd, a subsidiary company of 

Patriarch and Sons Pty Ltd, is 

seeking to establish the forestry 

business on the site of the 

former Southern Aluminium 

Wheel Plant site in the industrial 

zone. 

Director Allen Wong said 

work was under way to obtain 

the appropriate development 

and environmental statutory 

approvals before a three-stage 

building process. 

“The construction of stage 

one and two is worth more 

than $28 million, covering site 

purchase, adaption of the factory 

and plant and equipment,” 

Mr Wong said. 

“More than $4 million in 

local building and electrical 

work will be required and will 

be directed to local firms as 

much as possible. 

“It is estimated that the project 

will create 30 to 40 jobs 

during construction, while the 

operation of the facility will 

create up to 80 positions. 

“A third stage – proposed 

engineered timber – will involve 

an additional investment 

of more than $22 million and 

will create further training and 

employment opportunities.” 

Mr Wong said Patriarch 

planned to purchase wood 

from existing public and private 

sources, comprising certified 

wood from plantations and 

native forests that was currently 

wood chipped. 

“The proposed veneer mill 

will provide opportunities for 

wood currently planned to be 

harvested to benefit from an 

additional value-adding process,” 

he said. 

“We will engage with a 

range of local experts, including 

the University of Tasmania 

to extend research into value-adding 

of plantation timber.” 

WANTED 

Business 

movers and 

shakers 

• Promotions 

• Appointments 

• Awards 

• Celebrating 

success 

Share the news 

with the 

Tasmanian 

business 

community 

Send your news 

snippets, with a 

high quality photo, 

to TBReditorial@ 

fontpr.com.au


THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 

Independents 

the likely losers 

Michael 

Bailey 

TCCI Chief Executive 

BY the time members 

read this column, the 

New Year will be but a 

distant memory – but I 

hope still a happy one – 

as 2019 charges on. 

As we look ahead, 

what sort of outlook is 

there for Tasmanian business? 

We know that Tasmania’s 

economy is growing; 

we know that business 

confidence remains 

high around the state. 

The major bogey is the 

Federal election come 

May or thereabouts. 

Tasmanian demonstrated 

its intentions at 

the last national poll, 

when four Labor members 

were elected and 

one independent in Andrew 

Wilkie in Denison. 

Interestingly, the reality 

is that on current and 

previous polling we will 

most likely have a new, 

majority Labor Government 

and a new prime 

minister, Bill Shorten. 

If that eventuates, the 

current crossbench pow- 

er of MHR’s such as Mr 

Wilkie, Cathy McGowan 

(Victoria), Bob Katter 

(Queensland) and Rebekah 

Sharkie (South 

Australia) will be diminished 

significantly. 

A majority Government, 

it enables whichever 

side of politics to 

ignore the independents 

and their policy concerns 

(at least in the Lower 

House, the Senate being 

another, different kettle 

of fish). 

As I have said previously, 

the Morrison Coalition 

Government will 

obviously fight hard on 

its economic record. 

The Prime Minister 

and Treasurer have already 

prefaced the handback 

of $9.23 billion in 

tax cuts from an anticipated 

surplus of $37.2 

billion over the next 

three years. 

On paper, a less than 

30 per cent return of the 

surplus to Australian 

households and business 

sounds reasonable. 

Australia goes to the polls around May. 

We will all watch the 

“Spendometer” tendencies 

of both sides of 

politics with great – and 

grave interest. 

On a technical financial 

front, inflation here 

and abroad has been 

painfully weak for years. 

Even the mid-year 

forecasts note that it has 

fallen this financial year 

compared with last. 

Next financial year, 

however, it’s forecast 

to rise to 2.25 per cent 

before moving up to sit 

right in the RBA sweet 

spot of 2.5 per cent in 

2020-21. 

It’s a similar story for 

wages. 

Wages growth has 

barely risen after an extended 

period of record 

lows, currently sitting 

just about 2 per cent. 

By 2020-21, however, 

it is due to rise to 3.5 per 

cent, well above the inflation 

rate. 

The TCCI is committed 

to fight for Tasmanian 

business interests 

whoever wins the election. 

In fact, four Tasmanian 

Labor members in 

a Shorten government 

could be an excellent 

outcome for the state, 

particularly if Franklin’s 

Julie Collins retains her 

Opposition spokesperson 

responsibilities in the 

Cabinet. 

www.tcci.com.au 

Customers deserve 

transparent banking 

Paul 

Ranson 

CEO, Bank of Us 

THE Australian Competition and Consumer 

Commission has released its final 

report on the Residential Mortgage Price 

Inquiry late last year. 

The ACCC found that bank customers 

have been left worse off due to imbalanced 

competition, unclear pricing and 

lack of information. 

As CEO of the only Tasmanian customer-owned 

bank, we’ve been advocating 

for a long time now, through our 

industry body COBA, for more competition 

and greater transparency in the 

banking sector to give Australian consumers 

a fair deal. 

Yet the report is a reminder to customers 

to look for alternatives to the four 

major banks and to not be satisfied with 

“better the devil you know”. 

There are 74 mutual banks, credit 

unions and building societies across 

Australia with award-winning and market-leading 

home loans. 

At Bank of us, we always talk about 

being customer-owned because it’s important 

for people to understand the difference 

between our model - that is solely 

focused on the customer, because 100 

per cent of our profits are used to benefit 

our customers, and that of our publicly 

listed cousins, whose goal is to generate 

profit over people. 

But what does it really take to change 

banks? 

It is hard when the banks price their 

products in a way that impacts our willingness 

to shop around. 

Headline interest rates are a poor indicator 

of the interest rate a borrower actually 

pays, making it difficult to compare 

like for like. 

And it’s not just the financial costs, it’s 

the time and effort it can take that inevitably 

puts “switching” into the too-hard 

basket 

We know, because of the stories uncovered 

during the recent banking royal 

commission, that there are many consumers 

who have been treated poorly by 

the major banks. 

So why do these banks still hold about 

80 per cent of residential mortgages? 

According to the ACCC report, many 

existing residential mortgage borrowers 

don’t regularly review their choice of 

lender and so it goes that the big banks 

are profiting from the inertia of their customers. 

Fewer than four per cent of variable 

rate residential mortgages with the major 

banks refinanced to another lender in the 

year to June 30, 2018. 

People just stay put and this makes it 

very hard for other banks, including customer-owned 

banks, to secure any of that 

80 per cent market share. 

The report goes as far as to tell borrowers 

how they can get a better deal. 

Starting with simply asking their lender 

for a better price on their existing residential 

mortgage product or switching to 

a cheaper mortgage with their existing 

lender or, drum roll … switching lenders. 

Tasmanian banking customers deserve 

greater competition and transparency 

in the banking sector. 

It’s now up to the policy makers to 

address these issues to give customer-owned 

banks a level playing field or 

else consumers will ultimately pay the 

price 

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commencing and continuing 

study in the Associate Degree 

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Tasmanian boot brand Blundstone and the Department of Primary 

Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) have generously 

donated scholarships that will be offered to students enrolled in the 

Associate Degree in Agribusiness in 2019. 

The scholarships, worth up to $4,000 per year, will be available to 

students commencing and continuing study in 2019. 

These scholarships will support students with course costs, including 

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CRICOS Provider Code (University of Tasmania): 00586B




Gain to come from port pain 

Brett 

Charlton 

Agility Logistics 

AT THE time of writing, 

the traders of Tasmania 

are feeling some pain 

with significant diminished 

capacity over Bass 

Strait during January. 

Readers of the December 

article will recall that 

this was the main theme 

– or in low brow terms 

… “I told you so”. 

Berthing issues in 

Burnie caused most of 

the pain - there was a necessity 

to share with oil 

and cruise vessels on the 

alternative berth that Toll 

is using while ramps are 

being installed to accommodate 

the new vessels 

due to arrive in March. 

The lack of capacity on 

the Toll vessels flowed 

through to Searoad and 

TT Line with all excess 

capacity being taken up. 

ANL rerouted one of 

its vessels to drop off 

equipment and move 

some international containers 

caught up in the 

deadlock. 

It is fair to say that this 

January will be remembered 

as one of the most 

difficult shipping periods 

for Tasmanian traders in 

recent memory. 

The saving grace is 

that traders should always 

keep front of mind 

that this is the “pain before 

gain” as when the 

berths are finished and 

Toll bring on its new 

vessels, coupled with 

Searoad’s investment last 

year, the capacity and efficiencies 

across Bass 

Strait should be set for 

another 10 years and any 

perceived restrictions to 

growth due to capacity 

across Bass Strait should 

be a conversation of the 

past. 

On my radar (and 

should be on yours) this 

year are the following 

emerging issues that are 

Berthing issues in Burnie caused pain during January. 

going to hit traders in 

terms of cost and process. 

• Mandatory export 

air screening in March 

– add cost and time for 

non-regulated traders 

(pretty much everyone). 

• Low sulphur conversion 

for international 

vessels – we are already 

seeing additional charges 

being applied per container 

for this in preparation 

for 2020 (expect 

more). 

• Brown marmorated 

stink bug (BMSB) – four 

ships have been turned 

back from Australian 

waters due to infestation 

not to mention significant 

treatment costs 

and delays in the supply 

chain working to ensure 

this disaster of a creature 

does not get its claws 

into Australian soil (expect 

this to continue and 

expand in 2019). 

• Infrastructure surcharges, 

biosecurity surcharges, 

changes in international 

container lines 

rotations, possible international 

flights to and 

It is fair to say 

that this January 

will be 

remembered as 

one of the most 

difficult 

shipping periods 

for Tasmanian 

traders in recent 

memory. 

from Hobart, trade missions, 

artificial intelligence 

and Donald Trump 

induced walls and trade 

wars. 

There is no lack of material 

to keep us all engaged 

in 2019 – best of 

luck out there. 

Savings in simplified health cover system 

Paul 

Lupo 

CEO, StLukesHealth 

THE first quarter of the 

new year is always a 

busy period for health 

insurers as members review 

their policy following 

the annual April 1 

premium adjustment. 

While the annual premium 

adjustments evoke 

strong reactions from 

media commentators, it 

is important to look at 

the drivers for such increases 

if we are to ensure 

the provision of 

health services is both 

affordable and accessible 

across the public and 

private sectors. 

Health insurance premiums 

increase because 

the costs associated with 

members’ claims continue 

to rise. 

An increase in people’s 

life expectancy and 

the prevalence of chronic 

disease has resulted 

in more frequent use of 

hospital procedures that 

come at a considerable 

cost. 

With health CPI sitting 

at 3.2 per cent for the 12 

months to September 

2018, it is pleasing to see 

the private health insurance 

sector is able de- 

liver its lowest premium 

increase across Australia 

in 18 years from April 1, 

2019, at the average rate 

of 3.25 per cent. 

In October 2017, the 

Australian Government 

Private Health Insurance 

Reforms were announced, 

with some 

notable changes from 

April 1, 2019. 

Gold, Silver, Bronze 

and Basic product classifications 

for hospital 

cover will be implemented 

from April 1. 

The aim of this is to 

make it easier for people 

to understand, compare 

and choose their 

health insurance product 

through the use of standardised 

clinical definitions 

that a product 

must cover to receive 

the classification. 

All private health insurers 

are required to 

rename their existing 

products under these 

classifications. 

If your hospital cover 

is labelled as Gold, 

you will be covered for 

the most clinical categories, 

while if it is labelled 

Bronze you will 

have mid-level cover 

with exclusions on some 

categories. 

From 

a 

St.LukesHealth perspective, 

the organisation 

will only make minor 

changes to its products 

to ensure compliance 

with the reforms. 

If you receive advice 

from your insurer that 

your policy is being significantly 

modified under 

these changes, we 

strongly suggest you 

review your product to 

ensure you still have the 

appropriate level of hospital 

cover and that it is 

still providing you value 

for money. 

Also from April 1, 

your private health insurer 

will no longer 

be able to pay benefits 

towards some natural 

therapies previously 

covered under General 

Treatment policy. 

This was mandated by 

the Health Minister after 

the National Health 

Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic 

product classifications for 

hospital cover will be 

implemented from April 1. 

and Medical Research 

Council found no clear 

evidence demonstrating 

the effectiveness of 

these techniques. 

Questions have arisen 

about how this change 

will apply to professionals 

providing natural 

therapies. 

A good example of 

this can be shown where 

physiotherapists use Pilates 

as part of a treatment 

plan. 

A private health insurer 

can lawfully pay benefit 

if a physiotherapist 

is providing this service 

to a patient within an accepted 

scope of practice 

– that is, a physiotherapist 

uses exercises or 

techniques drawn from 

Pilates as part of a treatment 

plan. 

Remember if services 

are withdrawn from 

your health insurance 

cover, your insurer is required 

to notify you of 

the change. 

Private health insurers 

are committed to finding 

more ways to improve 

the value proposition of 

products while ensuring 

that premiums remain 

within the members’ financial 

means. 

Hopefully with these 

reforms, we can announce 

an average premium 

increase lower 

than this year next April. 

ADVERTISEMENT 

Elise 

Archer 

Your local Liberal 

Member for Clark 

62 Main Rd, Moonah 

Please contact me: 

p: 6212 2210 

e: elise.archer@dpac.tas.gov.au 

m: PO Box 426, Moonah, 7009 

www.elisearcher.com 

Authorised by Elise Archer, 62 Main Rd, Moonah, 7009



Never downplay 

workplace safety 

Craig 

Hortle 

Workplace Health & Safety 

SAFE Work Australia recently 

released its reports 

for the 2016-2017 year. 

Some of the information 

is interesting and 

supports the active participation 

in a system that 

supports working safely 

at work. 

Just over nine people 

out of every 1000 workers 

sustains a serious 

injury in workplaces in 

Australia. 

The average claim per 

serious injury is $11,500. 

In Tasmania the incident 

rate of serious 

claims and disease for 

the 2016-2017 was 12.1 

per 1000 employees. 

The value of implementing 

a safe system 

of work in the workplace 

cannot be undervalued 

for the following reasons: 

• compliance to WHS 

legislation; 

• safety of workforce; 

• ability to negotiate 

with workers compensation 

insurer on premium; 

• less time off due to 

workplace injuries; 

• reduced costs for replacement 

workers for 

those that suffer injuries 

at work; 

• a more engaged 

workforce because of 

structured system of 

work; and 

• better productivity 

due to retained workforce. 

The development of 

a safe system of work 

can be simple and inexpensive 

as the majority 

of workplaces do not require 

the assistance of a 

WHS consultant. 

In Tasmania the incident rate of serious claims 

and disease for the 2016-2017 was 12.1 per 

1000 employees. 

Free information services 

on WHS requirements 

are available from 

the Tasmanian Chamber 

of Commerce WHS specialists. 

This is open to members 

and non-members of 

the chamber. 

For more information contact Craig Hortle or 

Janelle Whitehouse at the TCCI on 1300 559 122 

or safety@TCCI.com.au 


Launceston Cup 

holiday confusion 

Abbey 

George 

Workplace Relations 

LAUNCESTON Cup Day always 

causes much confusion each year as 

to whether it is regarded as a public 

holiday or not. 

As Modern Awards do not 

determine public holidays, an 

entitlement to a public holiday 

is determined by the National 

Employment Standards and by the 

industrial instrument in place at an 

organisation such as an Enterprise 

Agreement. 

For those employers covered by a 

Modern Award, to determine which 

days are local holidays, such as 

Launceston Cup Day, the National 

Employment Standards refer to 

those days which are “declared or 

prescribed by or under a law of a 

State or Territory to be observed 

generally within the State or 

Territory, or a region of the State 

or Territory” (Section 115(b) Fair 

Work Act 2009). 

Although for the vast majority 

of private sector employees, 

Launceston Cup Day has not 

been a legislated entitlement in 

the past, much confusion existed 

as Launceston Cup Day was 

previously listed as a statutory 

holiday; however, with amendments 

to the Statutory Holidays Act 2000 

in Tasmania in December 2010, 

Launceston Cup Day was removed 

and listed as a government holiday 

only. 

Therefore, for the majority 

of employees in the private 

sector, there is no entitlement to 

Launceston Cup Day, except for 

those employees that are covered 

by an Enterprise Agreement 

that provides for that specific 

entitlement. 

Having said this, some businesses 

choose to allow employees to have 

all or part of Launceston Cup Day 

off in any event and obviously 

this is a matter for each individual 

business. 

More information TCCI on 1300 

559 122 or workplacerelations@ 

tcci.com.au 

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Courses tailored for the future 

LeeWhiteley 

University College 

Chief Executive 

THE saying “All Roads 

Lead to Rome” may be 

true, but not all roads 

make for a smooth journey 

and that’s something 

the team at the University 

College keeps in mind. 

When we design and 

implement our courses, 

we not only ask industry 

what it is that they are 

looking for in a graduate, 

we look at the different 

ways in which our students 

learn. 

There are encouraging 

examples of how the 

right pathway into further 

education can make 

your journey a positive 

and life-changing experience. 

This year is an exciting 

one with new associate 

degrees being offered 

across our three campuses 

in Burnie, Launceston 

and Hobart. 

One of the new courses 

on offer - Applied 

Technologies - has taken 

centrestage at this year’s 

MONA FOMA in Launceston. 

University College 

staff have given two local 

students a taste of 

the new associate degree 

through the creation of 

two cyborg puppets. 

Students Eleanor Ivery, 

17, a St Patrick’s 

College Year 12 student 

and Sebastian Knevett, 

21, a third year University 

of Tasmania ICT student, 

have spent the last 

few weeks bringing the 

large puppets to life by 

rigging them with sensing 

technology to control 

their limb movement via 

automation. 

With sensors everywhere 

and influencing 

our everyday lives, the 

Applied Technologies 

course is catering to a 

major growth area. 

The puppets are currently 

mounted on the 

wall at the Academy Gal- 

Students Eleanor Ivery and Sebastian Knevett brought puppets to life with sensing technology. 

lery at Inveresk and can 

be controlled through 

wireless sensors by 

members of the public 

willing to give the technology 

a try. 

Having the tools to 

confidently step into university 

study is no easy 

feat, but thanks to the 

University Preparation 

Program, 41 students 

took the plunge last year. 

Completion ceremonies 

were held in Burnie, 

Launceston and Hobart 

last month, to honour 

the students, which saw 

many fast-track into undergraduate 

degrees. 

The University Preparation 

Program is flexible 

and designed to provide 

adult learners with 

academic learning skills 

and the confidence and 

personal skills needed 

to succeed at university. 

Congratulations to 

one of our Agribusiness 

graduates Mady Muirhead, 

who has been accepted 

into the Ruralco 

Graduate Program for 

2019. 

Mady recently completed 

the Associate 

Degree in Agribusiness 

with the University 

College and completed 

her Diploma of Equine 

Business Management 

at Marcus Oldham College. 

Her strong passion 

for horses and interest 

in livestock and animal 

systems meant the Agribusiness 

course was a 

perfect fit for Mady. 

Hands-on industry 

experience within the 

course means students 

will not only have a 

firm understanding of 

agribusiness theory but 

know how to apply it in 

working environments. 

For more information 

check out our website 

at www.utas.edu. 

au/college 

Seek advice to navigate trade deals 

AUSTRALIA has now 

entered into 11 bilateral 

or multi-lateral Free 

Trade Agreements covering 

18 countries including 

New Zealand, Singapore, 

the US, Thailand, Chile, 

Korea, Japan, China, Brunei, 

Myanmar, Malaysia, 

the Philippines, Vietnam, 

Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, 

Canada and Mexico. 

Additionally, agreements 

with Peru, Hong 

Kong and nations in the 

Pacific are concluded but 

not as yet in force. 

Negotiations are under 

Sally 

Chandler 

Tradestart Adviser 

way with the EU, the Gulf 

Co-operation Council and 

India and are proposed for 

the UK once that country’s 

Brexit negotiations 

are complete and passed 

by the British Parliament. 

It is very important to 

Under the China-Australia FTA, 

which came into force on 

December 20, 2015, most tariffs 

were reduced to zero 

note that FTAs don’t just 

allow for reduced tariffs 

and increased quotas or 

better still the elimination 

of tariffs and quotas, 

but also cover investment, 

greater access for services, 

intellectual property, 

e-commerce and government 

procurement. 

While Australia has 

been very proactive in establishing 

FTAs so have 

other countries – with 

each other. 

Under the China-Australia 

FTA, which came 

into force on December 

20, 2015, most tariffs 

were reduced to zero on 

January 1 this year in the 

latest round of tariff cuts. 

These included wine, 

seafood and horticulture 

products which will positively 

impact Tasmanian 

exports. 

With some countries 

being covered by more 

than one FTA, exporters 

are encouraged to use the 

Department of Foreign 

Affairs and Trade’s FTA 

portal - https://ftaportal. 

dfat.gov.au/ - to ascertain 

which Agreement gives 

their buyer the best customs 

treatment on market 

entry at the border. 

And as always, I am 

readily available to assist. 

For international 

trade and investment 

assistance contact 

the TCCI’s TradeStart 

Adviser, Sally Chandler, 

at sally.chandler@tcci. 

com.au or phone 1300 

559 122. 

Disability enterprises deserve support 

FOR hundreds of Tasmanians 

living with 

a disability, there is 

nothing more important 

than the dignity of 

work and the sense of 

purpose and stability 

that comes with having 

a job. 

Australian Disability 

Enterprises are notfor-profit 

organisations 

that provide supported 

employment to people 

living with a disability. 

Labor went to the 

March election with 

a policy to set a target 

to purchase goods 

JoshWillie 

Shadow Minister 

for Disability 

and services from local 

ADEs. 

Spending at least two 

per cent of the supplies 

and consumables 

budget would provide 

business opportunities 

and the chance to offer 

more training. 

ADEs not only offer 

jobs but the chance for inclusion 

and the opportunity 

to contribute. 

Organisations like 

Oak-Possability started 

Oakdale Workshop in Tasmania 

in 1964 and others 

followed. 

The focus was not only 

to see kids in work but to 

battle and change community 

attitudes. 

One of the many success 

stories is Dylan who, 

through his work experience 

at Oakdale Industries, 

has started his own 

business. 

Dylan’s Mowing Service 

operates across Hobart. 

Dylan says Oakdale 

has supported him into his 

dream job — being his 

own boss and working 

outdoors. 

Tasmanians like Dylan 

should remind us of the 

United Nations principle 

that people living with a 

disability have the right 

to economic security and 

useful work. 

Tasmania has a 55-year 

history of achieving just 

that. 

But our Government 

should not overlook that 

proud history and should 

not exclude these important 

organisations. 

There are 11 ADEs 

owned and operated by 

Tasmanian not-for-profits 

and they employ about 

500 Tasmanians. 

ADEs enable workers 

with a disability to do jobs 

including packaging, assembly, 

production, recycling, 

screen printing, gardening 

as well as cleaning 

and food services. 

They offer conditions 

similar to other employers 

and are valued by the employees. 

ADEs are funded by 

the Commonwealth Government’s 

Social Services 

Department but state governments 

have a role to 

play. 

Last year, National Disability 

Services signed 

an agreement with the 

Hodgman Government to 

streamline the process for 

government departments 

to procure the services of 

ADEs. 

Despite the agreement, 

there are no formal policies 

to mandate government 

to use ADEs. 

It was revealed, the 

Tasmanian Government 

agencies are not required 

to identify contracts 

awarded to ADEs. 

I think most Tasmanians 

would agree that the Government 

should be procuring 

ADE services, as well 

as keeping meaningful 

data.



Jobs numbers building 

Sarah 

Courtney 

Building and Construction 

Minister 

TASMANIA’S building 

and construction sector 

is going from strength to 

strength. 

The extraordinary momentum 

in the industry is 

also helping to underpin 

broader economic confidence 

statewide. 

It is shaping up to be 

another great year for 

the industry in 2019, but 

these results have not 

happened by accident. 

The Hodgman Liberal 

Government has been 

working hard to ensure 

we have the right conditions 

in place to stimulate 

more construction, create 

jobs and boost the economy. 

These strong results 

have been achieved in 

partnership with the entire 

industry, which has 

shown hard work and 

dedication in responding 

to this optimism with 

investments growing 

strongly across the commercial, 

residential and 

industrial sectors. 

Building and construction 

jobs are at industry 

highs with more 

than 23,000 Tasmanians 

currently working in the 

sector. 

We are cutting red tape 

and continually working 

with industry to further 

streamline processes to 

make it easier, faster and 

cheaper to build in Tasmania. 

The increase in the 

total value of building 

approvals achieved the 

highest growth rate in 

Australia in the year to 

November 2018, up 39 

per cent, with the number 

of dwelling approvals increasing 

by 14 per cent 

over the same period. 

The value of total 

completed construction 

Construction workers are being kept busy. 

work increased by 11.3 

per cent to $2.9 billion in 

the year to the September 

2018 quarter, nearly seven 

times higher than the 

national growth rate. 

Importantly, this record 

growth is set to continue, 

with a 59 per cent 

increase in the value of 

Picture: Honed Architecture 

engineering construction 

work commenced in the 

year to September 2019, 

and a near-doubling in 

the estimated value of 

work yet to be done to a 

year ago. 

I am proud of these 

achievements and motivated 

to continue supporting 

growth by ensuring 

we have a skilled 

workforce which can 

meet the growing demand 

in Tasmania. 

The success of this industry 

benefits all Tasmanians 

with more homes, 

better infrastructure and 

importantly, more jobs. 


Care for the 

vulnerable 

INQUIRIES into the 

abuse of vulnerable people 

raise the paramount 

question of just who is 

accountable when the 

worst happens. 

Professor Pamela Hanrahan, 

Deputy head, 

School of Taxation and 

Business Law, UNSW 

Business School, says the 

worst nightmare for any 

director of a non-government 

organisation working 

with vulnerable people 

is that someone under 

their organisation’s care is 

abused by one of its employees. 

The recently announced 

Royal Commission into 

Aged Care Quality and 

Safety, which launched 

hearings in mid-January, 

will likely bring community 

focus back to the accountability 

of thousands 

of NGOs now contracted 

or funded by governments 

to provide human services, 

including aged care, 

disability support services, 

child care and family and 

community services. 

NGOs and the individuals 

who serve on 

their governing boards 

and committees accept a 

heavy burden when contracting 

with government 

to provide human services 

to vulnerable people. 

Given the difficult legal 

position, the basis on 

which NGOs should be 

legally accountable when 

employees commit offences 

against the people 

they are charged to protect 

will likely be an important 

part of deliberations by the 

aged care Royal Commission. 

That’s why it is crucial 

for all organisations 

involved in the care of 

the vulnerable to be fully 

aware of their governance 

obligations and their duty 

of care. 

Registrations are now 

open for a new course offered 

by the Australian Institute 

of Company Directors 

(AICD): “Governing 

to protect vulnerable people” 

to be held on Thursday, 

March 14, 2019 at the 

Tasmanian Divisional Office 

in Hobart. 

Applicants can register 

via www.companydirectors.com.au/SWT 

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Incat ferries in demand 

Super shakeup 

NEWS 

Tasplan hails 

focus on fees 

HSC Saint John Paul II in sea trials before departing for her new home in Malta. 

SEA trials are under way for 

Incat’s latest vessel as the 

ship builder confirms it has 

another international order 

to complete. 

As we go to print, the 110 

metre HSC Saint John Paul 

II is set to depart for her 

new home with Virtu Ferries 

in Malta servicing the route 

between Malta and Sicily. 

The wave piercing 

catamaran will be the largest 

high-speed catamaran in 

the Mediterranean, with 

a service speed up to 38 

knots. 

“Work commenced on 

HSC Saint John Paul II in 

2017, and together with 

other export orders has been 

a catalyst for the significant 

increase in workforce 

numbers at Incat over 

the past two years,” Incat 

Chairman Robert Clifford 

said. 

Incat has also confirmed 

work is under way on a new 

vessel for the Government 

of Trinidad and Tobago. 

The new fast passenger 

and cargo ferry will have 

capacity for 1000 people, 

including 224 VIP seats, 

and will carry 239 cars or a 

combination of trucks and 

cars. 

The Trinidad & Tobago 

inter-island seabridge has 

previously been served by 

two Incat vessels, the T&T 

Express and T&T Spirit. 

The new vessel will be 

delivered in 2020. 

TASPLAN Super has welcomed 

the Productivity 

Commission investigation 

into efficiency and competitiveness. 

CEO Wayne Davy said 

while the organisation was 

yet to digest the full detail 

of the 700-page report, any 

initiatives which encouraged 

better returns for members, 

improve fund performance 

and reduce fees were to be 

welcomed. 

“Super is our nest egg for 

our future retirement, with 

the aim of ensuring people 

can live comfortably when 

their working life comes to 

an end, so any initiatives that 

can increase the amount of 

super is to be welcomed,” Mr 

Davy said. 

“Removing unintentional 

multiple super accounts 

could save thousands of dollars 

for members, while for 

young people entering the 

workforce today, the Productivity 

Commission predicts 

over $500,000 in extra savings 

by the time they retire. 

Mr Davy said as a profit-for-members 

super fund, 

Tasplan has always been 

transparent with its fees and 

charges, but as the banking 

royal commission has shown, 

for-profit funds have not been 

as open and transparent with 

their charges, so any moves 

in this area would see better 

outcomes for consumers. 

“If Tasmanians have 

learned anything out of the 

royal commission, it’s that 

there are super funds run 

by banks to make a profit 

and there are industry super 

funds, such as Tasplan which 

are run solely for the benefit 

of their members,” Mr Davy 

said. 

“The Royal Commission 

has made it clear that industry-based 

funds, such as 

Tasplan have a much better 

track record when it comes 

to fees and charges.” 

Mr Davy said any initiative 

that encouraged better 

financial returns to members 

was also to be welcomed, but 

cautioned against any radical 

approach to changing the 

way funds operate. 

“Any system that can promote 

better performance 

should be encouraged, but 

sometimes funds can take a 

number of years to generate 

strong returns and so financial 

returns must be looked at 

over the longer term such as 

five to 10 years, rather than a 

simplistic year on year comparison. 

“Super savings are about 

taking a long-term compounding 

approach to savings 

and so when comparing 

fund investment return, a 

long-term view must also be 

taken. 

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APPOINTMENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

APPOINTMENTS 

Communications 

coup for Font 

TWO of Tasmania’s top political 

strategists and communications 

professionals, Brad Stansfield and 

Brad Nowland, have joined Font 

PR as partners. 

Font PR Managing Director, 

Becher Townshend said the “two 

Brads” would significantly expand 

the firm’s presence in Tasmania 

and interstate, taking the 

business to the next level. 

“Both Mr Stansfield and Mr 

Nowland bring high level communications 

skills, political acumen 

and government experience 

to Font PR as well as having a 

deep understanding of issues 

management in the local and national 

context,” Mr Townshend 

said. 

“Brad Stansfield is a highly 

respected political professional 

who was Chief of Staff to Premier 

Will Hodgman for eight 

years and masterminded the 2014 

and 2018 state election victories. 

“Brad Nowland was the Liberals’ 

press secretary for a decade 

and worked closely with Brad 

Stansfield during this period, 

building a reputation for delivering 

exceptional results in the 

strategic communications and 

campaigning fields. 

Developer to fight for lake camp 

A DEVELOPMENT Application 

has been lodged with the 

Central Highlands Council for a 

new tourism development at Lake 

Malbena. 

The eco-tourism Standing 

Camp has been approved by 

State and Federal Governments 

as a development through the 

EOI process for National Parks 

and now requires planning and 

building approval from the 

council. 

There are expected to be 

public objections against the 

three accommodation pods and 

one communal area proposed to 

be built by Daniel and Simone 

Hackett for high-end fly fishing 

enthusiasts to be flown in via 

WP - Advert Feb17 - Proof 4.pdf 1 24/02/2017 9:08:21 AM 

Communicators Brad Nowland, left, Becher Townshend and 

Brad Stansfield. 

New chair for 

accountants 

THE new year is shaping up to 

be a busy one for Chartered Accountants 

Australia and New Zealand’s 

(CA ANZ) Tasmanian Regional 

Council, with Ruddicks’ 

partner Lyndal Kimpton stepping 

into the role of chair. 

The organisation is preparing to 

take a more active role in advocating 

for better Tasmanian economic 

outcomes. 

Outgoing chair, BDO partner 

helicopter. Mr and Mrs Hackett 

are fighting against opposition 

from some anglers and the 

Greens. 

They said the development had 

been rigorously investigated and 

meticulously planned. 

The design requires less than 

a week to fully install, or fully 

remove, with only a few tent-peg 

like anchors used to secure the 

pods on-site, they said. 

“The infrastructure footprint 

is respectfully minimal: 

approximately 65sqm, and the 

camp would be completely 

hidden when viewed from offisland, 

or from our existing 

historical hut on the island,” Mr 

Hackett said. 

Paul Breen, will remain on the 

council after two years at the head 

of the table. 

Ms Kimpton said she was looking 

forward to utilising the unique 

knowledge base of CA ANZ’s 

network of 1000 practicing Tasmanian 

chartered accountants to 

push for better outcomes for the 

state. 

“We have a wide range of members 

across business, industry 

and government with extensive 

knowledge of how Tasmania ticks 

financially,” Ms Kimpton said. 

“By harnessing this knowledge 

“This is the nature-based 

tourism model that Tasmanians 

have been working towards for 

the past decade: small, sensitive 

and locally-owned, and operating 

CA ANZ Tasmanian Regional 

Council chair Lyndal Kimpton. 

and informing decision makers 

as well as the public, we hope 

to help the Tasmanian economy 

continue to build.” 

Ms Kimpton has been with 

Ruddicks since 2003 and specialising 

in services, audit and superannuation. 

She holds a certificate of registration 

as an auditor by ASIC 

and is CA ANZ’s representative 

on the ASIC Regional Liaison 

Committee in Tasmania and is an 

independent representative on the 

Launceston City Council’s audit 

committee. 

An artist’s 

impression of 

the proposed 

Lake Malbena 

development. 

within rural communities that are 

embracing the visitor economy in 

the post-forestry era.” 

Public submissions through the 

council close in early February. 

IN BRIEF 

Voice returns 

to the valley 

THE Derwent Valley Gazette has been 

returned to local Tasmanian ownership. 

The paper had been owned by media 

group Davies Brothers Pty Ltd but has been 

purchased by Font PR. 

Font PR Managing Director Becher 

Townshend said the masthead would be the 

best local news source for the Derwent Valley 

and would fight to ensure the region’s voice 

was heard. 

“With news becoming increasingly 

globalised through social media and the 

concentration of media ownership, we 

believe it is more important than ever for 

local communities to continue to have their 

own voice through publications such as The 

Gazette,” Mr Townshend said. 

The last 

issue 

of the 

Derwent 

Valley 

Gazette. 

The 

popular 

local 

paper 

returns on 

February 

13. 

Tassie suburbs 

lead sale speed 

TASMANIA has topped the list for 

Australia’s fastest selling suburbs. 

Eight Hobart suburbs made the top 10 with 

only two suburbs outside the state – one in 

Western Australia and the other in NSW. 

The analysis was done by RiskWise 

Property Research and based on CoreLogic’s 

data regarding the average number of days on 

the market in the past 12 months. 

Lutana and Mornington both achieved an 

average of six days to sell for houses. 

The Australian average number of days on 

the market sits at 43. 

The eight Tasmanian fastest selling 

suburbs were Lutana, Mornington, Mount 

Nelson, Geilston Bay, Bellerive, Leah Valley, 

Claremont ad Lauderdale. 

Stenton Park in WA and Castle Cove in 

NSW, also made the list. 

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EVENTS 

LEFT: 

Attorney- 

General Elise 

Archer, left, 

Dominic Baker 

of Wrest Point 

& Country Club 

Tasmania and 

Kim Upton of 

Wrest Point. 

What: 

Wrest Point’s 

Merry Mingle 

ABOVE: Steve Barker of Spoken Media, left, and Chris 

McGregor of First National McGregor. 

RIGHT: Stacey Joseph, left, and Colleen Reardon from 

the TCCI. 

Where: 

Wrest Point, 

Hobart 

When: 

Tuesday, 

December 18, 

2018 

ABOVE: Polly Venning, left of Tasmanian IT and 

Selina Spowart of Wrest Point. 

ABOVE: Robyn Doyle of Doyle Soil Consulting, left, Claire Vervaart of 

Green Wave Projects and David Male of Murchison Software.


PROPERTY MATTERS 

Questions over tourism ‘brand’ 

Scott Newton 

Property Matters with 

Knight Frank 

John Blacklow, Knight Frank Tasmania’s 

highly experienced specialist consultant 

for the tourism and leisure sector, shares 

his views on the Hobart tourism market. 

TASMANIA’S tourism boom 

continues to break records 

with 1.3 million visitors in 

2018. 

While the number of tourists 

has increased two per 

cent on the previous year, 

the growth rate has slowed, 

which was to be expected. 

These statistics do not include 

cruise ships which saw 

a record 127 ships visiting 

our shores – up 36 per cent. 

Hobart receives about 73 

per cent of the visitors to 

Tasmania, resulting in high 

occupancy rates as our city 

struggles to accommodate 

the tourists, particularly from 

December through to April. 

A report commissioned by 

the Government in 2017 indicated, 

that based on growth 

targets, Hobart city would 

require an additional 1478 

rooms by 2020. 

Since then Macq01 Hotel 

(113 rooms) and Ibis Styles 

Hotel (296 rooms) have 

opened, adding 409 rooms to 

the inventory. 

However, this has been 

offset by the loss of the Mid 

City Hotel (105 rooms) and 

the Fountainside Hotel (50 

rooms) which were purchased 

by the University of 

Tasmania in 2018. 

For 2019, construction 

will commence, or continue, 

with the following hotels: 

• Crowne Plaza Liverpool 

Street - 187 rooms; 

• Vibe Hotel Argyle 

Street - 115 rooms; 

• Marriott Hotel Davey 

Street - 128 rooms; and 

Never before has Hobart experienced such strong growth in a relatively short time. 

• Un-named HotelElizabeth 

Street - 72 rooms. 

So, by early 2020 Hobart 

will increase its room inventory 

by 756. 

This is still 722 rooms 

short of the growth target. 

Developers are seeking 

Development Approval 

from Hobart City Council 

for a number of sites that 

are proposed for hotels. 

These include: 

• Fragrance Group – Macquarie 

Street DA approved 

for 202 rooms; 

• Fragrance Group – four 

sites DA submitted and 

contested for 1066 rooms in 

total; 

• Lenna Courtyard Hotel, 

Battery Point -DA sought 

for 85 rooms; 

• Salamanca Visitor Accommodation- 

DA sought 

for 50 rooms; and 

• Tribe Hotel - DA sought 

for 104 rooms. 

These proposed developments 

would add a total 1507 

rooms, so potentially Hobart 

could go from an undersupply 

position to an over supply 

if all these hotels are approved 

as is and built, which 

is unlikely. 

Other potential projects 

in the Greater Hobart area 

include MOTOWN (172 

rooms), Kangaroo Bay (120 

rooms), Regatta Grounds 

(270 rooms) and Rosny Hill 

(82 rooms). 

Never before has Hobart 

experienced such strong 

growth in a relatively short 

time span. 

Although expansion was 

inevitable, the question now 

arises as to whether our present 

infrastructure can cope, or 

do we want “mass” tourism? 

Will our brand be affected? 

With large scale projects on 

the drawing board such as the 

Kunanyi/Mount Wellington 

cable car, MONA expansion, 

international flights, and the 

Macquarie Point Development, 

it is likely visitor numbers 

will continue to increase 

in the medium term. 

No doubt there will be 

much public debate as to the 

benefits or negatives associated 

with Hobart’s fastest 

growing sector. 

PROPERTY VIEW 

FEBRUARY 2019 

“PALFREYMANS ARCADE” 

340-344 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart 

BLUE CHIP BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE 

20 Howard Road, Glenorchy 

Outline indicative only 

SOLD 

Outline indicative only 

• North Hobart’s highest profile asset 

• Prized corner position within the “Lygon Street” 

of Hobart with three extensive street frontages 

• Highly flexible property, providing a mixture of 

retail and commercial tenancies over two levels 

• Strata titled with 3 units with a total strata area of 

611 sqm (approx) 

• Current Gross Income of $180,491 per annum 

plus GST (approx) 

• Landmark North Hobart Commercial Asset 

• Zoned: General Business providing good level of 

flexibility 

Matthew Wright 0458 290 588 

Richard Steedman 0408 559 046 

FOUNTAINSIDE HOTEL 

40 Brooker Avenue, Hobart 

• The Fountainside Hotel, offers four star luxury 

Hobart Accommodation in hotel ensuite 

rooms or self contained studio apartments. 

• The Fountainside Hotel has 50 rooms in 

total and is within easy strolling distance of 

the many restaurants in Hobart’s fabulous 

waterfront 

• 

• Hobart airport is a simple 20 minute drive 

away from Fountainside Hobart 

SOLD 

John Blacklow 0418 128 735 

Scott Newton 0409 186 261 

SOLD 

• Extraordinary 15.5% average annual sales 

growth since 1995. 

• Irreplaceable 38,310 sqm highway corner site. 

• Annual fixed 3% rent increases through to 

2040. Net rent: $439,555 pa 

• Extremely rare 25 year triple net lease to 2040 

plus 25 year option. 

• Strategic 38,310 sqm freehold site with over 

380 at-grade car spaces. 

• As new 16,900 sqm facility constructed in 

2015 at Bunnings’ cost, future proof with 

provision for 2,000 sqm on-site expansion. 

AT AUCTION 

Matthew Wright 0458 290 588 

THE GRANGE 

4 Commonwealth Lane. Campbell Town 

• The Grange Meeting and Function Centre 

(2007) is central Tasmania’s premier meeting 

venue ideally located in the large township of 

Campbell Town. 

• The facility provides 6 flexible conference 

rooms for up to 150 delegates 

• It offers a full range of catering from its large 

commercial kitchen to both indoor and 

outdoor courtyards with cafe, BBQ and 

dining options. 

• The property contains 3 titles with a land area 

of 2.7881 hectares (approx). 

SOLD 

John Blacklow 0418 128 735 

5 Victoria Street, Hobart 54 Cameron Street, Launceston Shop 8, 48-54 Oldaker Street, Devonport 

P: 03 6220 6999 P: 03 6333 7888 P: 03 6424 3568

Tasmanian Business Reporter February 2019

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