Question – Bruny Island Infrastructure Needs and Levies

Questions asked by the Hon Meg Webb MLC on 11 Aug 2022 and answered by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport on 23 Aug 2022

Question:

Noting that the infrastructure needs on Bruny Island are significant, especially given high visitation form tourists, can the Government advise if any consideration has been given to sources of funding for additional infrastructure needs on Bruny Island, for example, a $1.00 levy on all ferry fare?

Answer:

A levy on Bruny Island ferry fares is not currently being considered.

Based on 2021 passenger numbers, a $1.00 levy on ferry fares would generate approximately $174 500 in levy revenue per year.

Collecting levy revenue as a part of ticket sales, identifying investment priorities, and then distributing levy revenue across multiple agencies would be a significant administrative burden, with very little return when compared to recent infrastructure investments on the island.

For example, the Tasmanian Government is investing $7.5 million to improve terminal infrastructure at Kettering and Roberts Point.

In addition, a $1.5 million grant from the Tasmanian Government is funding the implementation of several projects relating to visitor infrastructure and information on Bruny Island. Projects within the scope of the grant include construction of public toilets at Dennes Point, road safety works along Adventure Bay Road and Nebraska Road, improvements at the Mavista Falls track and picnic area, new waste and recycling disposal bins at Alonnah, Adventure Bay, Dennes Point, Roberts Point and Lunawanna, and the provision of visitor information to enhance the visitor experience and communicate impact minimisation messaging.

In 2019, $6 million was allocated to continue the sealing of Bruny Island Main Road. The two sections being prioritised are between Alonnah and Lunawanna, and a short section between Lunawanna and Lighthouse Road.

In 2018, the carpark of the Bruny Island Neck Lookout was upgraded. A new, larger carpark with 24 spaces plus bus parking, and safer entry and exit driveways provided improved access to the popular site.

The Government would need to consider the potential of a negative impact of any levy on tourist visitation or weigh heavily on locals that need to travel off the island for work and island-based businesses that need to attract workers from the Tasmanian mainland.

See more of Meg’s Questions to Parliament.