Tuesday 28 August 2007

MARIA ISLAND ACCESS
The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, said today she is confident there will be options available for visitors to access Maria Island National Park.

“The Parks and Wildlife Service has begun talking with a number of charter boat operators in an effort to identify other access options for visitors to Maria Island National Park following the withdrawal of the current ferry operator,” Ms Wriedt said.

Parks and Wildlife Service General Manager, Peter Mooney, was notified by the Maria Island Company that it had decided to withdraw from its licence to provide a regular passenger ferry service to the island, which it has operated since April 2006.

“The service was due to resume following its annual winter shut-down for essential maintenance, however we were notified yesterday that the company had decided to relinquish their licence for this operation,” Ms Wriedt said.

Ms Wriedt said while the decision is disappointing, it was a commercial decision made by the Maria Island Company.

“Our priority now is to talk with charter boat operators on the East Coast that may be in a position to provide access options to the island in the short term.

“The Government will also be working quickly to consult with potential operators and other stakeholders to identify what process will best deliver a good outcome for tourism and visitors in the long term.

“Maria Island is one of Tasmania’s tourism icons with great natural beauty, fascinating Aboriginal heritage and European history, along with a wide range of recreational opportunities.

“We believe it has a fantastic future as a parks destination.”

Contact numbers for alternative transport providers will be displayed on the Parks and Wildlife Service website as soon as they are identified.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au