Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens' Leader
If the Liberals are serious about ensuring long term economic opportunities for the East Coast, they will consider the Greens' proposal to begin consultation with the local community towards bringing cruise ship visitors into the deepwater port of Triabunna.
While the townships of Orford and Triabunna are crying out for jobs and opportunities, last Summer, at least eight cruise ships sailed past and parked in Wineglass Bay where not a single dollar was put into the local economy.
Triabunna is the gateway to beautiful Maria Island and the region can deliver numerous day trip visitor attractions which would support local businesses and create jobs for the locals.
It is critical that the wealth generated by cruise ship visits be shared around the regions, instead of being concentrated in Hobart.
The Greens' proposal, to consult with the local community and begin investigations into the infrastructure works that would be required, makes sound social and economic sense.
It was disappointing to hear the Premier belittle the Greens' proposal when asked about it in Question Time today.
We hope that outside the heat of the partisan Parliamentary debate, the Premier and his economic advisers will take this proposal and the opportunities it represents for the East Coast economy much more seriously.