State-of-the-Art Potato Storage Facility Opened

29 May 2008

Braddon MHA Bryan Green says a  new  state-of-the-art storage facility on the North-West Coast builds on the region’s reputation as Australia’s premier potato-growing area.

Mr Green today officially opened the $2 million development undertaken by long time potato growers Phlilip and Jane Beswick at Sisters Creek.

“This is a welcome investment in our agricultural sector and a very positive sign for potato growers,” Mr Green said.

“Farmers have had their share of ups and downs in recent times particularly with the rising costs of production and its great to see both tonnages and prices for potatoes improving.”

Mr Green said the new 7000 tonne storage facility would provide much-needed extra local capacity given a 30 per cent increase in production foreshadowed by McCains.

“Tasmania already produces half of all the processed potatoes in Australia and our reputation for quality and reliability is second to none.”

Mr Green said there was good reason to be positive about the future of Tasmania’s primary industries.

“The challenge now is to keep the momentum going.”

“The Government’s plan to drought proof the State and its support for water development generally is the key to the future of our farming sector.”

Mr Green said the State’s $80 million commitment to irrigation development for Tasmania would not only provide sustainable growth but help mitigate against future droughts.

“I will continue leading the charge to further develop Tasmania’s water resources like the Meander dam.”

“Water infrastructure is vital for growth and we are extremely fortunate to still have those opportunities.”

Mr Green said considerable water development was ocurring on farms in the North-West.

“Well over half of the 120 new dams that have been given the go ahead in Tasmania so far this financial year  are in the North-West and some have been approved recently in just six-weeks,” Mr Green said.

There is a 12-week statutory requirement for dams to be approved

Strong Growth In Private Capital Expenditure

29 May 2008

Capital expenditure by the private sector in Tasmania has shown strong growth.

The Treasurer, Michael Aird, said figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed private new capital expenditure increased by 13.3 per cent in the year to March 2008 to $960 million in real terms.

“This compares to a national increase of 10.8 per cent over the same period,” Mr Aird said.

 “Private New Capital Expenditure also increased in the December quarter, up 3.7% compared to 0.4 per cent nationwide.

 “In the year to March 2008 there was a large increase in expenditure on buildings and structures (up $77 million or 33.3 per cent).

“Expenditure on equipment, plant and machinery increased by $36 million or 5.9 per cent in the same period.

“Despite recent increases in interest rates and high fuel prices, there has been a strong recovery in private new capital expenditure levels in recent quarters with capital expenditure moving back towards the historical highs seen in late 2005.”

Symposium Helps Inspire Future Tasmanian Scientists

23 May 2008

Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Jim Peacock today attended a Hobart symposium to help inspire a new generation of Tasmanian scientists to emerge from the State’s schools.

The Acting Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, said Dr Peacock was attending the symposium with other scientists to educate teachers about the latest developments in biotechnology practices, which they in turn could pass on to their students.

“By informing teachers about these exciting developments in the area of biotechnology, they can use this information to inspire their students and hopefully encourage them into a science and technology career.”

“Science and technology capabilities underpin many areas of Tasmania’s economy, and the State Government is committed to investing in future skills needs to keep the economy strong.

“We need to ensure that we are giving students every opportunity to pursue careers that are extremely important to the State maintaining its healthy economic growth,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Ms O’Byrne said the symposium was an initiative of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Tasmanian Science and Technology Council and the CSIRO.

“This is a great opportunity to be able to learn from Australia’s Chief Scientist, who is taking the time to visit Hobart and promote science education in primary and secondary schools.”

Ms O’Byrne said that traditional industries, such as agriculture and mining, have long recognised the value of new knowledge to solve problems, as have newer industries such as information technology, electronics and biotechnology.

“The State Government has a number of grant programs currently available through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to provide funding for science-related businesses and industry and research collaborations.

“These programs include the Tasmanian Innovations Program and the Research Partnerships Program.

“The State Government also has a long-established partnership with industry, research institutions and the academic community to enhance the state’s science and technology sector and today’s symposium is a welcome outcome from that partnership.”

“The symposium was organised by CSIRO Education to strengthen the relationships between the teachers and scientists who participated in the Scientists in Schools programme in 2007.   

“The Scientists in Schools programme was piloted last year and funded by the Australian Government.

“This symposium will build important relationships between teachers and industry-based scientists to encourage further projects to develop, and by encouraging students to consider science and technology careers, we are adding to our skilled workforce for the future,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Small Business Ministerial Council Meeting

23 May 2008

Tasmania has led the way in achieving a better understanding of the impact of climate change on the small business sector at today’s Small Business Ministerial Council meeting held in Christchurch, New Zealand.

In presenting a paper on this issue in conjunction with Queensland, the Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, said this was a significant issue for the state’s 35,000 small businesses.

“Climate change has implications for every sector of our community, and we cannot afford to overlook what it might mean for small businesses, particularly that in Tasmania they account for 97 per cent of our businesses.

“To date a lot of work has been done on the potential impact of climate change on big businesses, but there has been very little research carried out on both the challenges and opportunities for our diverse range of small businesses,” Ms Wriedt said.

The Ministerial Council meeting agreed to establish a working group of all States and Territories to progress work on this urgently.

“Many small businesses currently don’t have access to enough information about how climate change will affect their businesses to enable them to make decisions about their activities. 

“Therefore, all state and territory governments are keen to ensure that we can assist them by providing information and helping them to build their management capability and capacity to deal with change.”

Ms Wriedt said Tasmania already had a number of existing programs in place to assist small businesses with sustainability that aimed to help businesses improve their growth and competitiveness such as Business Boost, the Enterprise Growth Program and a wide range of innovation programs. 

“The Ministerial Council meeting work will look at ways of assisting small businesses with information, resources, advocacy and support specifically in relation to climate change.

“We know that while small businesses are the backbone of our economy, they often operate on extremely tight margins which can restrict their capacity to adapt and change.

“While proposed regulatory changes such as emissions trading schemes may have an impact on small businesses, climate change can also provide positive opportunities for businesses.

“Consumers are increasingly indicating a preference for ‘green’ products and services and if small businesses are proactive they can take advantage of this trend.

“The Ministerial Council meeting also agreed to do further work to reduce red tape for businesses through streamlining processes such as registration of business names,” Ms Wriedt said.

Symposium Helps Inspire Future Tasmanian Scientists

23 May 2008

Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Jim Peacock today attended a Hobart symposium to help inspire a new generation of Tasmanian scientists to emerge from the State’s schools.

The Acting Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, said Dr Peacock was attending the symposium with other scientists to educate teachers about the latest developments in biotechnology practices, which they in turn could pass on to their students.

“By informing teachers about these exciting developments in the area of biotechnology, they can use this information to inspire their students and hopefully encourage them into a science and technology career.”

“Science and technology capabilities underpin many areas of Tasmania’s economy, and the State Government is committed to investing in future skills needs to keep the economy strong.

“We need to ensure that we are giving students every opportunity to pursue careers that are extremely important to the State maintaining its healthy economic growth,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Ms O’Byrne said the symposium was an initiative of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Tasmanian Science and Technology Council and the CSIRO.

“This is a great opportunity to be able to learn from Australia’s Chief Scientist, who is taking the time to visit Hobart and promote science education in primary and secondary schools.”

Ms O’Byrne said that traditional industries, such as agriculture and mining, have long recognised the value of new knowledge to solve problems, as have newer industries such as information technology, electronics and biotechnology.

“The State Government has a number of grant programs currently available through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to provide funding for science-related businesses and industry and research collaborations.

“These programs include the Tasmanian Innovations Program and the Research Partnerships Program.

“The State Government also has a long-established partnership with industry, research institutions and the academic community to enhance the state’s science and technology sector and today’s symposium is a welcome outcome from that partnership.”

“The symposium was organised by CSIRO Education to strengthen the relationships between the teachers and scientists who participated in the Scientists in Schools programme in 2007.   

“The Scientists in Schools programme was piloted last year and funded by the Australian Government.

“This symposium will build important relationships between teachers and industry-based scientists to encourage further projects to develop, and by encouraging students to consider science and technology careers, we are adding to our skilled workforce for the future,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Small Business Ministerial Council Meeting

22 May 2008

Tasmania has led the way in achieving a better understanding of the impact of climate change on the small business sector at today’s Small Business Ministerial Council meeting held in Christchurch, New Zealand.

In presenting a paper on this issue in conjunction with Queensland, the Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, said this was a significant issue for the state’s 35,000 small businesses.

“Climate change has implications for every sector of our community, and we cannot afford to overlook what it might mean for small businesses, particularly that in Tasmania they account for 97 per cent of our businesses.

“To date a lot of work has been done on the potential impact of climate change on big businesses, but there has been very little research carried out on both the challenges and opportunities for our diverse range of small businesses,” Ms Wriedt said.

The Ministerial Council meeting agreed to establish a working group of all States and Territories to progress work on this urgently.

“Many small businesses currently don’t have access to enough information about how climate change will affect their businesses to enable them to make decisions about their activities. 

“Therefore, all state and territory governments are keen to ensure that we can assist them by providing information and helping them to build their management capability and capacity to deal with change.”

Ms Wriedt said Tasmania already had a number of existing programs in place to assist small businesses with sustainability that aimed to help businesses improve their growth and competitiveness such as Business Boost, the Enterprise Growth Program and a wide range of innovation programs. 

“The Ministerial Council meeting work will look at ways of assisting small businesses with information, resources, advocacy and support specifically in relation to climate change.

“We know that while small businesses are the backbone of our economy, they often operate on extremely tight margins which can restrict their capacity to adapt and change.

“While proposed regulatory changes such as emissions trading schemes may have an impact on small businesses, climate change can also provide positive opportunities for businesses.

“Consumers are increasingly indicating a preference for ‘green’ products and services and if small businesses are proactive they can take advantage of this trend.

“The Ministerial Council meeting also agreed to do further work to reduce red tape for businesses through streamlining processes such as registration of business names,” Ms Wriedt said.

Tasmanian Innovators Take Their Ideas to Market

22 May 2008

Nine Tasmanian innovative businesses today graduated from the Market Ready Commercialisation Program, an intensive course that assists them in taking their ideas to markets. 

Those ideas ranged from the market development of a software package for aged-care operators to the commercialisation of pizza in a cone.

Cabinet Secretary, Graeme Sturges, said that the Market Ready Program is one of a number of programs offered by the state government.

“The Tasmanian government is working to meet the needs of industry and the challenges to increase productivity and competitiveness.

“The Market Ready Program is now in its eighth year and it continues to be a fantastic resource for Tasmanian businesses which want to commercialise an innovative product, process or service.

“The Program has assisted 251 Tasmanian businesses and is responsible for over $2.5 million in product sales,” Mr Sturges said.

“The calibre of graduates from the Market Ready Program is very high, and this round of the program is no exception.

“The nine graduating Tasmanian businesses have developed a diverse range of innovative products, processes and services.

“We are delighted that these businesses have participated in this round of Economic Development and Tourism’s Market Ready Program,” Mr Sturges said.

“The program involves skilled business consultants with significant commercialisation experience providing participants with training and guidance to the value of $5 000.

“The course covers key topics such as managing intellectual property, marketing, sales and distribution, financial forecasting and finance attraction.”

Mr Sturges said that innovation is vital to continue growing the Tasmanian economy, and the Market Ready Commercialisation Program is an essential tool to help businesses remain competitive. 

“The state government strongly encourages innovation through policy development and program delivery,” said Mr Sturges.

Specific Participant Information:

Joanna Gair Fine Paper: Production and design of handmade paper greeting cards; North-west region 

Glance Creek Estate: Commercialisation of myrtus berry wine; North-west region 

Kornet Pizza: Commercialisation of pizza in a cone; South region

Biomedical Education Australia: Curriculum design, delivery and evaluation for the health education sector; South region 

Inerva Pty Ltd: Market development of a software package for aged-care operators; North region 

Terrestrial Systems: Market development of Terrestrial Systems in-house movies; North region

The Agrarian Kitchen: Commercialisation of paddock-to-plate cooking classes; South region

90 Degrees Clamp: Commercialisation of an aluminium clamp: South region 

Sweet Envy: Commercialisation of cupcakes, cookies, icecream, candies, wedding cakes and food injections; South region.

Bumper Stickers Promote Tassie AFL Team

16 May 2008

The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, today launched the next phase of Tasmania’s campaign to have its own team in the AFL.

Ms Wriedt unveiled promotional bumper stickers that will be distributed outside Saturday’s AFL game at Aurora Stadium to send the message that Tasmania should have its own team in the country’s premier football competition.

“The Tasmania It’s Time stickers will allow fans heading to the game to get right behind the push to convince the AFL that Tasmania deserves a team.

“This will allow football fans to help promote the campaign for a Tasmanian-based team and show they are right behind the bid.”

Ms Wriedt said the bumper stickers would also help remind people to log on to www.tassiefootyteam.com.au and register their support for a team.

“Registering your support is a crucial part of Tasmania’s submission that will be presented to the AFL.

“The AFL have made it clear they need to be convinced, so we need every supporter to get behind this push and put their name down in favour of a Tasmanian team.

“The more cars we have driving around with bumper stickers, and the more people we have logging on and registering their support, the louder the AFL hears our message.”

Ms Wriedt said the sticker launch coincided with the commencement of a national advertising campaign for a consultant to prepare Tasmania’s submission to the AFL.

“The State Government is serious about ensuring Tasmania makes the best possible submission to the AFL, so tenders are being called for a consultant to prepare the bid.

“The AFL have specified its criteria Tasmania needs to meet, so ensuring the bid is the best possible submission it can be is crucial.”

Ms Wriedt said in the meantime, she encouraged every Tasmanian footy fan to get online and register their support for a team, and grab a bumper sticker to encourage other people to do the same.

Record Low Long-Term Unemployment

15 May 2008

The number of long-term unemployed Tasmanians has fallen to a record low.

The Treasurer, Michael Aird, said he was delighted with the news.

“The figures show that in the year to April 2008 there was an average of 2 700 persons classified as long-term unemployed in Tasmania (unemployed for at least 52 weeks), a decrease of 26.3 per cent from the previous year.

“What a turnaround that is compared with the 8 500 long-term unemployed when Labor came to office in 1998”, Mr Aird said.

Mr Aird said that the release of today’s long-term unemployment data was further proof of the strong economic growth Tasmania has experienced in recent years, with low unemployment the cornerstone of a strong economy.

“This is a very pleasing result and is consistent with data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics last week which reported a record low unemployment rate for Tasmania of 4.5 per cent in April 2008 in trend terms.

“It shows that the benefits of our strong economy are being shared amongst the Tasmanian community.”

Regional unemployment data were also released today, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimating that the unemployment rate fell in all regions of the state.

In the year to April 2008, the ABS estimated that the unemployment rate fell in all regions; the Mersey-Lyell region (down 1.8 percentage points), the Southern region (down 0.8 percentage point) and the Northern region (down 0.5 percentage points). 

Partnership To Jobs Program Expands at St Michael’s

15 May 2008

The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, has announced an expansion of a Launceston program helping people with a disability find employment.

Ms Wriedt said the State Government was giving the St Michael’s Association a Partnerships to Jobs grant of $160,280 to expand its Plantskills initiative and create nine new jobs. 

“In 1994, St Michaels established Plantskills, a horticulture and grounds maintenance enterprise designed to employ people with a disability as a stepping stone to gaining employment in the open market.

“The efforts of this organisation are of enormous value to those in the community who can face extra barriers, either when they are employed or when they are looking for work,” said Ms Wriedt.

“This grant will help establish a third Plantskills team and allow nine more people to have the opportunity to learn the skills that are needed to see them move into the job market and find work.

“The Partnerships To Jobs program gives grants to non-profit community organisations so that they can fund projects for disadvantaged jobseekers.

“In particular, these grants are designed to assist people who want to work but face a number of obstacles.

“The State Government is committed to continuing to develop partnerships with organisations such as St Michael’s, which provides support to those with extra needs in our community.

“Tasmania’s employment growth has been strong in recent years, and has reached record levels.

“At the same time, it is important that everyone who wants to work is able to be included in the workforce,” Ms Wriedt said.

Improving the Way We Market Tasmania’s Tourism

15 May 2008

The State Government has announced the most significant change in marketing direction for tourism ever undertaken in Tasmania.

The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, today announced a new and more collaborative approach to the way Tasmania is marketed as a holiday destination, and a new funding structure to support the changes.

“The new Zone Marketing approach brings the State’s tourism industry into much closer partnership with government than ever before, and significantly improves the government and industry’s return on marketing investment.”

The new marketing approach sees the introduction of five Tasmanian marketing zones, rather than the three traditional regional areas of north, south, and north-west.

“Research was showing that the traditional three regions did not correspond with how our customers approached their holiday planning.”

Ms Wriedt said the five marketing zones, which had been developed to showcase specific areas, including the various attractions, services and experiences that make up their unique personalities, were:

• Launceston, Tamar and North East

• The North West Coast

• The Western Wilderness

• Hobart and Surrounds

• East Coast

“Five marketing zone groups have now been formed to manage the marketing of each area, with each group made up of industry representatives who will meet regularly to develop and manage their zone marketing campaigns.

“King and Flinders Islands will be treated as separate areas, with special promotions and packages being developed by Tourism Tasmania in partnership with the relevant regional tourism association.

“The formation of the five marketing zones now provides a special opportunity for regional tourism industry marketing funds to be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by government.

“In addition to almost $5 million spent by Tourism Tasmania on marketing the State each year, another half a million dollars will be made available each year, for the next three years, to support Zone Marketing.

“This equates to $100,000 per zone to continue the wonderful momentum created by the State Government’s two-year Tourism Promotion Plan, which began in 2006.

“This is a significant investment in regional tourism, both in a monetary sense, and in terms of empowering our regional industry to determine their future marketing directions,” she said.

Ms Wriedt said the need to change the marketing approach was driven by the results of the most extensive consumer insight study conducted in the Tasmania for many years. 

“Tourism Tasmania’s Perceptions Study showed that while potential visitors to the State could articulate some aspects of Tasmania well, for example our wilderness, our clean green environment, and our good wine and produce, most had a limited knowledge about the diversity of our State and its various tourism experiences.”

“I am confident the Zone Marketing concept will further develop Tasmania’s competitive edge into the future, and encourage all tourism businesses to take up the new opportunities provided by this innovative regional marketing approach.

“By working more smartly together, we can continue to build the value of tourism in Tasmania for the benefit of our industry, our local communities and the wider Tasmanian economy.

Brighton Oval Under The Spotlight

13 May 2008

Brighton’s Thompson Oval has been given a new lease on life with the installation of a new lighting system.

The State Government provided $55,000 for the new lights, which was matched by the Brighton Council, Betfair contributed $10,000 with sporting clubs also providing $10,000 for the project.

The Labor Member for Derwent, Michael Aird attended the twilight opening of the newly equipped oval with Brighton Mayor Tony Foster, Brighton Football Club president Brett Williams and Hobart United Football Club president Adrian Pickin.

Mr Aird said the new lighting system – funded by Sport and Recreation Tasmania’s 2006-07 Facilities Grants Program – would benefit the many clubs and organisations already using the facilities.

“It will also create more opportunities for the Brighton community to participate in sport and recreation,” Mr Aird said.

“The ground is already home to the Brighton Football Club and Hobart United Football (soccer) Club, who will now be able to host competition games at night and have more flexibility sharing time between the two sports.

“Both Australian Rules and football (soccer) are fast growing sports in Tasmania, particularly the round ball game, which has continued to boom since the Socceroos success at the 2006 World Cup.

“Both football clubs can now focus on growing their clubs in both the junior and senior ranks and provide a pathway for the development of their up and coming players, as well as a home for those people who play for the social aspect of sport.

“The new lighting system also opens the grounds for extended hours to other groups such as cricket, dog and horse training, athletics, and the Brighton Show.

“This project is a great example of how the state government, local council and sport and recreation clubs can work together for the benefit of the entire community.”

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster said Brighton Council was happy to match the State Government grant of $55 000, injecting much-needed funds into the project.

“The new lighting system has turned Thompson Oval into a true multi-use facility and will be well-received by Tasmania’s youngest and fastest growing municipality,” Cr Foster said.

“It’s always a challenge to provide for a diverse range of sport, recreation and interest groups on a week-to-week basis, especially with the numbers of participants on the rise.

“Now the senior players can compete at night, we will be able to cater for more junior teams during the day – it’s a win-win situation.”

Brighton Football Club president Brett Williams is excited about the future of his club.

“Now the project is completed, we can focus on increasing our club numbers even more and work in cooperation with Hobart United to find a real synergy between the two codes of football,” Mr Williams said.

“We can now host Friday and Saturday night games and may even have a double-header featuring both Brighton Football Club and Hobart United – the possibilities are endless.”

Betfair's marketing and communications manager, Hugh Taggart said Betfair was delighted to make a contribution to help boost grass roots sports in the area.

“We sincerely hope the contribution to the installation of the floodlights goes some way to making a lasting positive impact on the community," he said.

New Tasmanian Helicopter Business Launched

13 May 2008

A Tasmanian business is taking scenic tours to new heights with the launch today of HeliAdventures Tasmania.

The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, officially opened the new tour and charter operator, which is based in Launceston.

“HeliAdventures Tasmania aims to provide first-class helicopter services including tours to all regions of the State.” Ms Wriedt said.

“The business is offering packages to wineries, golf courses such as Barnbougle Dunes and Craggy Peaks, and to destinations like Cradle Mountain, the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, and Freycinet National Park.

“Tasmania is fast becoming a more attractive destination for adventure seekers, whether they are looking for a laid-back journey, or a heart-pumping experience.

“This is why Tourism Tasmania developed the Experience Strategy a few years ago emphasising the need to better engage visitors with the State’s nature and heritage to create extraordinary and unforgettable holiday experiences.”

Ms Wriedt said the adventure-seeking market was an area where Tourism Tasmania and parts of the tourism industry have been focusing their marketing and promotional efforts.

“The business is also offering corporate charter services for aerial photography and filming, airport transfers, and even flights for special occasions like birthdays and weddings.

“The business has two Robinson R44 helicopters – Raven II and Clipper II.

“The cabin configuration is two seats by two seats with no bulkhead between the front and rear, which gives passengers exceptional visibility and panoramic views.

“Clipper II is also equipped with emergency floats, which permits them to offer over-water charters.”

Ms Wriedt welcomed the new venture as a valuable addition to tourism and business in Tasmania.

Tasmanian Housing Remains Strong

13 May 2008

The Treasurer, Michael Aird, said today he was pleased with the steady showing by Tasmania in the latest housing figures.

However, he said, national figures showed that interest rate rises were starting to bite into the housing market.

Mr Aird said Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for March showed that the number of housing finance commitments in Tasmania were unchanged in the month, compared to a 1.3 per cent decrease nationally. 

“Compared to March the previous year, the trend number of housing finance commitments in Tasmania increased by 16.1 per cent compared to a 3.1 per cent decrease nationally,” he said.

“That is very encouraging.

“Tasmania’s relatively good showing continued with the value of housing finance commitments, down 0.7 per cent to $230.0 million in March in trend terms, compared to a 1.2 per cent decrease nationally.

“Although the value of commitments eased during the month, commitments were still a significant 12.4 per cent higher than the value recorded in March 2007, and compares favourably to a 0.4 per cent increase nationally over the same period.

“The value of housing finance commitments in Tasmania in the full year to March 2008 was $2.71 billion, a16.8 per cent increase and again outstripping the national 8.1 per cent rise.”

Mr Aird said that the average loan size (in trend terms) in Tasmania was $164,749 in March 2008, up 5.6 per cent from March 2007. 

He said this represented 69.7 per cent of the average loan size in Australia as a whole, down from 74.7 per cent in March 2007.

Big Benefits Flow from Paddy Pallin Partnership

11 May 2008

Tourism Tasmania is hoping a new partnership with a leading adventure-wear company will provide the foundation for a long-term strategic relationship.

The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, said that Tasmania was being featured exclusively in the latest Paddy Pallin catalogue – the company’s 2008 Winter Handbook that has a six-month shelf life from April to September.

“Tasmania was chosen because it was exactly the nature-rich, wild and rugged location Paddy Pallin was looking for,” Ms Wriedt said.

Tourism Tasmania supported the photo shoot providing itinerary recommendations, planning, booking accommodation, transfers and a dedicated guide for the duration of the shoot.

“The Winter Handbook features high-quality imagery of Paddy Pallin models road-testing the adventure-wear in spectacular Tasmanian locations,” Ms Wriedt said.

But the benefits for Tasmania extend well beyond the 80-page catalogue.

“A six-month in-store promotion featuring the Tasmanian images is being held in 13 Paddy Pallin retail outlets nationally,” Ms Wriedt said.

“The Tasmanian promotion will also reach 20,000 Paddy Pallin club members in the quarterly mail-out newsletter and monthly e-newsletter, and the State will also have an online presence on the company’s website, www.paddypallin.com.au.

And in a further boost to the State’s profile, Paddy Pallin’s newest outlet in Brisbane has been covered in images of Tasmania including a giant 4-metres-high by 8-metres-wide photo of Mount Field’s Tarn Shelf prominently displayed to the busy street traffic outside.

“Such a closely aligned brand as Paddy Pallin presents Tasmania with many cross-promotional partnership opportunities and we look forward to building on this exciting partnership,” Ms Wriedt said.

Employment At New High

8 May 2008

A record number of Tasmanians are in employment.

The Treasurer, Michael Aird, said today’s Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force figures showed that in April 2008, the number of people employed increased by 500 (0.2 per cent) to 231,300 in trend terms.

“This is the highest level of employment recorded since the current labour force survey began in February 1978,” Mr Aird said.

“Since January 1999, employment in Tasmania has risen by around 37,400 or 19.3 per cent.

“The unemployment rate for Tasmania also fell significantly and was 4.5 per cent in April 2008 in trend terms.

“This is the lowest unemployment rate on record and is an achievement that we can be very proud of. 

“The lives of thousands of Tasmanians have been transformed because they have been able to get jobs.

“I do note that the ABS has introduced a new sample for the Labour Force Survey this month.

“Given the large improvement in the labour force figures, I have asked Treasury to discuss this with the ABS.

“But there is no doubt the Tasmanian labour market is in very good shape.”

Trail of the Tin Dragon officially opened

8 May 2008

Premier Paul Lennon today took part in officially opening the Trail of the Tin Dragon, an exciting new themed touring route through North-east Tasmania, linking Launceston and the East Coast.

The Trail explores the Tin Rush in the late 1800’s, and the European and Chinese miners who came to the area seeking their fortune.

“This is about investing for the future by celebrating our past.

“Attractions like this not only help drive tourism, they create jobs and grow communities.

“It is vital that the tourism industry continues to perform strongly and adds to economic development in this region,” Mr Lennon said.

“Projections suggest that within the next few years, we will be welcoming over one million visitors per year to Tasmania.”

Today’s event was held at the Tin Centre in Derby, which is the first of eight Trail projects to be completed, and the centrepiece.

Also taking part in the opening were Federal Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell and the Chairman of the Trail of the Tin Dragon Project Steering Committee Group, Peter Partridge.

Mr Lennon described the Tin Centre as a celebration of the contribution that the Chinese community have made, particularly in the North-east.

“Like so many other Tasmanian towns, Derby has its own rich story to tell. A unique identity contributing to our collective Tasmanian identity,” he said.

The idea for the Trail of the Tin Dragon originated from the Dorset Search in 2001. The concept has come to fruition as a result of funding from all three levels of Government.

“I am delighted my Government has been able to contribute 1.8 million towards the Tin Centre and the Trail.

“This attraction and the rest of the Trail which will be unveiled over the next 18 months, is an important drawcard for the North-east,” Mr Lennon said.

The Trail theme is about recognising while human endeavours are transient, the natural environment goes on forever.

In the Tin Centre the theme is explored using multi media. An interpretive experience examines why the Tin Rush was a major event in Tasmania, its impact and the role of tin throughout the ages.

“During the peak days of tin mining in the 1880’s, 25 per cent of Tasmania’s export earning came from tin, thanks to the hard work of around 1000 Chinese miners,” Mr Lennon said.

“The Trail of the Tin Dragon explores their triumphs, tragedies and achievements.”

The Trail marketing plan has identified four key markets: long and short stay visitors from interstate, intrastate travellers including school groups, and the Chinese market.

“Northern Tasmania has an enviable number of world class attractions.

“The Trail of the Tin Dragon provides a wonderful new ingredient to the mix,” Mr Lennon said.

“I look forward to seeing the whole Trail become a new tourism drawcard in its own right.”