Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has announced today that the Tasmanian border will remain closed until at least December in light of the COVID-19 situation in Victoria and NSW.
Speaking in Parliament today, Peter Gutwein said restrictions would stay in place until at least December “to allow sufficient time for the COVID-19 situation in Victoria and the threat posed to other states to be clearly controlled”.
“This will enable our community and our businesses to understand and prepare for border relaxations, and to ensure appropriate planning and risk mitigation processes are in place,” he said.
“It will also give us time to build the community’s trust in our border measures to protect Tasmania from areas in the rest of the country that pose a high risk, while allowing travel to and from areas that pose a very low risk.”
Tasmania was the first Australian state and territory to close its border in March and has since remained staunchly conservative in entertaining a firm date to let non-Tasmanian residents back in.
In a bid to get domestic tourism in Tasmanian back on its feet minus interstate visitors, Mr Gutwein also announced details of a ‘Make yourself at home’ local initiative involving giving travel vouchers to Tasmanians.
The Tasmanian Government say they will make $7.5 million in grants available to Tasmanians to encourage them to holiday at home.
How does it work?
In September, October and November, “Make yourself at home” travel vouchers will be offered to Tasmanians who travel out of their home region, to stay midweek in accommodation, enjoy a tourism experience, or visit an attraction outside of weekends.
The support will provide up to $100 towards the cost of a room in commercial accommodation, or up to $50 per booking to participate in a tourism experience whether that be a cruise, a walk or entry to an attraction such as the Port Arthur Historic Site or the Tahune Airwalk.
The voucher system is expected to support up to 25,000 bed nights or 50,000 tourism experiences each month.
“We also want our local businesses to conduct their meetings or team building workshops away from their base in other parts of the state and they will be able to access this support as well to hold mini conferences and meetings,” said Mr Gutwein.
Find out more: www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au