Roger Jaensch,Liberal Member for Braddon
The resident platypus at the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden in the State’s North West are about to go global, with a live stream being set up with the help of a Regional Tourism Projects Program grant.
Business North West is setting up four cameras above and below the water, purchasing the equipment and infrastructure with the help of the $19,000 grant.
Liberal Member for Braddon Roger Jaensch said it’s projects like this that will help rebuild regional tourism in Tasmania.
“This project will promote Tasmania’s unique fauna and our beautiful North West region to people all over the world,” Mr Jaensch said.
“I’d like to congratulate Ian Jones at Business North West, and Tom Wootton at West by North West, and the EVRG team on their innovation and motivation to find new opportunities to drive tourism in regional Tasmania.
“This project takes an existing tourism attraction, and uses new technology to present it to a wider audience in an innovative way.
“The opportunities that this will create are endless.”
Tom Wootton, CEO of West By North West said visitor appeal for Tasmania’s West and North West regions has been steadily growing.
“When COVID hit, the Tasmanian Government removed the need for matched funding under this grant program, which meant local community and industry groups could access small grants to enhance their destinations,” Mr Wootton said.
“This support has been extremely well received across the State, and our organisation has worked with a number of groups across this region in securing funds.
“It appears at this stage that visitor interest promises to continue to increase post-COVID, with Tasmanians and interstate tourists seeking authentic experiences outside of city centres.
“Projects like this will fan the flames of that appeal, beaming visuals of our little monotreme friends across the globe!”
The live-stream of the platypus residents at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is currently being set up and will go live through the Visit Burnie YouTube Channel in early 2021.
