Greg D. Farrell, Managing Director,

The Federal Group

“Tasmania is recognised globally for her three key appeals of Wilderness, Heritage and Fine Food and Wine.

As a proud member of the Tasmanian business community, there are an additional three key reasons that I would like to share with you that underpin our decision to base our business interests and investments in Tasmania.

1. Business is about people. Our success is largely due to a well-educated, hard-working and reliable workforce.

2. The stable political landscape, combined with a Government that listens to and understands the needs of business, has created a strong and secure economy.

3. Our lifestyle is the envy of mainland Australia and provides a true work / life balance.”

Mark Smith, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand,

Cadbury Schweppes

“Cadbury Schweppes has a long proud history in Tasmania, dating back more than 80 years.

“We are committed to growing our business and this expansion of our Tasmanian plant is reaffirmation of that commitment.” Mark Smith, Managing Director, Cadbury Schweppes Australia and New Zealand.

A state government grant has helped Cadbury Schweppes with a multi-million dollar expansion of its Claremont plant.  The grant is being used to help train up to fifty new staff who will be employed over the next five years as a result of the $24.5 million expansion.

“We’re delighted with the support of the Tasmanian Government and are pleased to receive the grant which will help us employ more local people.”

Robert Clifford, Founder and Chairman,

Incat

“As interest in fast sea transportation continues to swell, Incat is well placed to meet this demand.” Founder and Chairman, Robert Clifford.

Incat is an iconic Tasmanian company and a great ambassador for the state’s ingenuity and innovation.  Recent sales for this inspirational Tasmanian shipbuilder include a 98-metre vessel to Spanish shipping company Acciona Trasmediterránea and the signing of a contract with Japanese company Libera Corporation for the construction of two 112-metre catamarans.

“We recognise the Tasmanian Government’s help in supporting Incat’s entry into the Japanese market; the Premier, Minister for Economic Development and Tourism and departmental officers met with Japanese company representatives and worked directly with Libera Corporation for six months to support Incat’s negotiations.”

Tony Howland-Rose, Chairman,

Allegiance Mining

Allegiance Mining NL is on track to commence nickel production from its Avebury Nickel mine of Tasmania’s west coast in the third quarter of 2007. It is anticipated that the capital costs for the mine will be approximately A$77 million creating 130 jobs. To help with this important project, Allegiance Mining and West Coast Council entered a agreement with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism for a financial contribution to the upgrade of the Trial Harbour Road.

“This funding and the subsequent road construction have been of significant benefit to the Avebury project , at a critical time.” Allegiance Mining’s Chairman Tony Howland-Rose said.

“Support from the Tasmanian Government all through exploration and development has been invaluable.”

Nick Falk, manager Business Development,

Marinova

“Marinova is a rapidly growing and profitable biotechnology company that has benefited directly from its location in Tasmania.  By utilising the state’s natural resources and the wealth of local expertise in natural product extraction, Marinova has developed a core business that is both globally competitive and technically superior to its competitors.

The benefit of being based in Tasmania has also been evident in the success of our client visits from the US and Asia, all who have reported positively about their stay, and whose relationship with Marinova has grown as a result of the visit.

Marinova has received positive ongoing support from the Tasmanian State Government, which has been proactive in helping Marinova develop world-class extraction and fractionation facilities in the state.”

Andrew Twaits, Director, Corporate and Business Affairs,

Betfair

Betfair’s Director of Corporate and Business Affairs, Mr Andrew Twaits, said that Tasmania will be the centre of Betfair’s operations in Australia and the second global hub of the business world wide. The company was keen to get the Hobart centre up and running as soon as possible after receiving a licence in February this year. The company is investing over $10 million in establishing its operation in Tasmania and intends to employ around 150 staff within its first two years of operation. Since beginning operations in February this year, Betfair has already employed 65 staff at its Tasmanian headquarters.

“The Tasmanian Government saw the benefits in attracting Betfair’s operation to this State, just as Betfair’s management saw the benefits of establishing its Australian operation in a state with a strong regulatory framework and a commitment to innovation. The government was able to help Betfair to establish its operation by coordinating and expediting the fit out and set up of its facilities at the Hobart Technopark, enabling extremely tight time frames to be met.”