Crown land in northern Tasmania could be opened up to private developers to build a wellness precinct with hot springs, spas and luxury accommodation under a state government plan.
An expression of interest process will open in October and run for three months, seeking proposals from developers, investors and operators.
The government says proposals may include thermal bathing and spa experiences, hot and cold immersion pools, luxury accommodation and health and wellbeing retreats.
Nature immersion, walking experiences and wellness, longevity and preventative health programs may also be considered.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff pointed to the hot springs on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula as an example of what could be built here.
“The Gorge is a destination in itself,” Rockliff said of Cataract Gorge, where the announcement was made.
“It is not up for a wellness destination I hasten to add.”
Rockliff said the government would not be specific about what arrangements might apply to the land.
“There could be various arrangements at play there and we’re also open to other ideas,” he said.
Asked whether the plan would be limited to Tasmanian or Australian investors, Rockliff said the government welcomed investment from wherever it came.
“Some may well employ … 50 people,” he said, when asked about job targets.
“Some might well be a little less than that.”
Asked whether a wellness precinct was high risk during a cost of living crisis, Rockliff said it aligned with the state’s brand.
“It’s exactly the type of experience that aligns with Tasmania’s very strong brand when it comes to our natural environment,” he said.
Rockliff said Tasmania recorded 1.4 million visitors in the past 12 months, with tourism and hospitality employing one in six Tasmanians.
The announcement came as figures released today showed Tasmania has the highest unemployment and underemployment rates in the country.
Asked whether the government accepted responsibility, Rockliff pointed to the Northern Economic Plan, Bell Bay Aluminium and the Macquarie Point stadium.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Amy Hills said 95% of Australian travellers wanted a wellness experience when travelling.
“When it comes to people associating Tasmania as a wellness destination, we actually rank the highest in Australia and we’re just behind New Zealand,” Hills said.
“So we believe as an industry, this is our next big growth tourism opportunity.”
Hills said the process was about testing the market.
“There are smart people out there that know how to do business and what works,” she said.
The precinct is an initiative under the Northern Economic Plan, released on Sunday following July’s Northern Economic Summit.
