Maydena Adventure Hub Opportunities Announced

Advertisements have been published in Tasmania’s newspapers to attract tourism operators interested in developing and operating outdoor adventure activities around Forestry Tasmania’s fourth major tourism attraction – the Maydena Adventure Hub.

The main attraction at the Maydena Adventure Hub is a “rooftop of Tasmania” experience at an Eagles Eyrie lookout on the summit of the Maydena Range. A shopfront in the Maydena township will operate at the centre of the Adventure Hub.

Forestry Tasmania Acting Managing Director, Penny Egan, said “The Adventure Hub is an initiative that fits well with Forestry Tasmania’s commitment to developing employment and business opportunities for others.

“We have purchased the Maydena Trading Post for the shopfront, which is scheduled for refurbishment in Spring. The footings for the Eagles Eyrie at the Summit of Abbots Peak have been started and construction will continue when the weather permits.”

“We anticipate that the $2.1 million infrastructure works will be finished in the first quarter of next year.”

“In addition to adventure activity providers, Forestry Tasmania is looking for an enthusiastic management team with experience in outdoor adventure activity, an eye for detail and an entrepreneurial flair to manage the development of the Hub.

“The adventure hub is all about partnerships – partnerships with other tourism providers, and partnerships with the local community and local government.

“This is an exciting concept that, to our knowledge, hasn’t been tried before. These advertisements will provide a good indicator of the likely take up we can expect from other operators.”

The Derwent Valley Council welcomes the project, looking forward to the boost in business opportunities and employment in the region.

Councillor Judy Bromfield said, “We have been working with Forestry Tasmania to develop the Adventure Hub in Maydena. Having seen the economic boost that the Tahune Airwalk has brought to the Huon, and being a similar distance from Hobart, we are optimistic in achieving similar positive outcomes.”

“Located 80km west of Hobart, the Maydena area is rich in timber heritage and flanked by iconic Giant Trees, rivers and World Heritage.”

Ms Bromfield has been a member of the Maydena Project Community Consultative Committee since its inception.

Forestry Tasmania’s General Manager Corporate Relations and Tourism, Ken Jeffreys, said “Angling, mountain biking, water sports, sightseeing, horse riding and specialist activities such as caving, rock climbing and 4WD tours will be some of the opportunities being considered.”

“While FT will help develop the infrastructure, tourism development at Maydena will be driven by market demand.”

“The intention is not to manage all aspects of the development but to let the market guide tourism development and engage in cooperative management of product marketing.”

ENDS

Acting Managing Director, Penny Egan, will be available for interviews at Forestry Tasmania Head Office, 79 Melville Street Hobart, at 10.30 am.

Claire Bennett, Corporate Relations
6233 8249
26 June 2008





Media inquiries:
Claire Bennett
Corporate Relations
Ph: 6233 8249