Airport Sale a Win-Win for Tasmanians

Peak industry group TTF Australia (Tourism & Transport Forum) said this week that the Tasmanian Government’s decision to sell Hobart Airport would be a win-win for the Tasmanian community.

Managing Director Christopher Brown said a TTF Australia study, carried out by consulting firm URS, found the privatisation of Australian airports had been a resounding success.

“Privately-owned airports have benefited from increased investment, better efficiency and more diversity in the air services offered.”

“It is essential that the new owner has a genuine commitment to further improving passenger amenity and services at the airport.

“The airport has already undergone significant improvement in recent years, and this will help take it to the next level.

“The Government will also benefit from a one-off revenue boost, which it will be able to reinvest back into important social and economic infrastructure, including the new Royal Hobart Hospital.”

Mr Brown said the Tasmanian Government should also consider a public private partnership (PPP) model for the construction of the new hospital to reduce the burden on Tasmania tax payers.

“Projects such as the new Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne have shown the benefits of leveraging private investment in social infrastructure.

“Similarly, the Government should seek to attract private investment in water and sewerage infrastructure.

“This will require decisions to be made on structural reform and water pricing to provide incentives for investors while meeting community needs and expectations.”

Mr Brown said the investment in the new Brighton Transport Hub was a massive boost for Tasmania’s rail network.

“TTF strongly supports investment in rail freight to improve economic efficiency and, most importantly, to move heavy freight off the road network.

“This can only lead to better road safety outcomes for Tasmanians.”

Mr Brown said Tasmania’s tourism brand would benefit from further Government investment in parks, the arts and major events.

“Brand Tasmania is a powerful concept for bringing visitors to the State, and ongoing funding for Tourism Tasmania will keep the marketing message in front of potential visitors.

“Investment in essential parks infrastructure, such as new sewage treatment facilities at Cradle Mountain, will reinforce Tasmania’s strong position in the nature tourism market.

“Similarly, funding of cultural icons such as the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and the Theatre Royal will consolidate Tasmania’s reputation for excellence in the arts.

“And funding for major sporting events will continue to attract visitors to Tasmania in the off-peak season.”

Mr Brown welcomed the commitment to improved bus services, but said there was considerable room for improvement.

“Much more can be done to improve public transport services in Tasmania, and to encourage greater use of these services.

“This will improve mobility, especially for people with social and economic disadvantages, and will also address transport-related pollution.

“The development of ‘park and ride’ facilities in the outer suburbs of Hobart and Launceston, for example, would help encourage more commuters to catch buses to and from the city.”

Mr Brown said funding for the establishment of the Tasmania Climate Change Office was welcome, but a national approach was essential to tackling the climate change problem.

“As a state with a proud history in the field of renewable energy, Tasmania can take a leadership role in the drive to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

Report by The Mole