Walkers can now get their first look at Australia's newest visitor experience, with the official opening of the first section of the Three Capes Track in south-east Tasmania.
Starting at White Beach and ending in Fortescue Bay, the Track will eventually take in Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar, and Cape Hauy to provide a six day walking experience for seasoned walkers and guided groups.
Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan, Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Tasmanian Economic Development Minister David O'Byrne today joined workers on the site to open the first 4.7 kilometre section - the Cape Hauy track.
"Tasmania is already a premium hiking destination and when complete, the Three Capes Track will weave through one of the world's most spectacular wilderness areas and establish itself as one of Australia's best coastal walks," Mr Swan said.
"Eventually, more than 10,000 people every year will be able to walk the Three Capes Track and see for themselves the natural beauty of the Tasman Peninsula."
Mr Albanese said the project is both an investment in this region and in Tasmania and it will pay dividends.
"For the last ten months, 45 men and woman have worked day in and day out to turn our vision for this site into a reality. They have pulled off an incredible feat, using helicopters to transport in 1350 tonnes of gravel and 750 tonnes of rock," Mr Albanese said.
"While the new jobs and new contracts for track construction, helicopter services, and gravel and rock supply have boosted the local economy, there's no doubt the spin-off economic benefits of the project will be even bigger.
"When complete, it's expected the track will generate around $3 million each year and support 70 direct and indirect jobs in the region. Beyond that, the project is expected to inject $20 million to the state's economy and support 334 direct and indirect jobs."
Mr O'Byrne said the project will boost the Tasman Peninsula's appeal for domestic and international visitors alike.
"The Three Capes Track will build on the success of our renowned Overland Track, and strengthen Tasmania's reputation as a world-class walking destination," Mr O'Byrne said.
"That's why the Tasmanian Government is so determined to make the Three Capes Track vision a reality.
"Our Economic Development Plan is about diversifying Tasmania's economy and creating new jobs by playing to our natural strengths.
"Our natural beauty and tourism appeal are two of those strengths, and the Three Capes experience combines them perfectly," he said.
The $25.3 million Three Capes Track project is being jointly funded by the Federal and Tasmanian governments.
Visit YouTube for more information about the Three Capes Track.
