Irwin inspires northwest on tourism value of a wild Tarkine

Australian Greens spokesperson for Tourism Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said yesterday’s Federal Court decision on the proposed Nelson Bay River mine was a win for the long-term prospects of the tourism industry in the northwest.

Senator Whish-Wilson is today participating in the Northwest Tourism Forum in Stanley where the attendees heard from a wide range of speakers including legendary naturalist Terri Irwin.

"It was inspirational today to hear from Terri Irwin and get her optimistic views on the value of a wild Tarkine to the future of northwest tourism," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

"A key message from today's forum was that Tasmania needs authentic, life-changing tourism experiences built around iconic wilderness and wildlife - a future Tarkine National Park and the Tasmanian devil can deliver those experiences.

"Tourism is critical for long-term local prosperity and today we heard from industry that Tasmania's northwest is the 5th most tourism dependent region in Australia.

"Tasmania recently had the opportunity to gain a Tarkine National Park that could give the industry the certainty it needs, but Labor failed to deliver," Senator Peter Whish-Wilson concluded.