A DREAM nine years in the making has come true for Mt Field locals Greg and Rachel Power.
The couple who owns the Waterfalls Cafe have spent every cent they have to develop the Valley’s newest tourism destination.
Officially opened by Premier Jeremy Rockliff on Monday, Mt Field Retreat offers four self-contained one-bedroom units, showcasing local artists.
“Mt Field Retreat is a dream, and sometimes the nightmare’’ Ms. Power said.
When the couple moved to Mt Field 10 years ago, they always envisaged developing accommodation.
A year later they purchased the land just outside the park.
The development application was approved eight years ago.
“Then it all came unraveled when banks refused funding,’’ Ms. Power said.
“Had we known how it would literally draw every ounce of energy and money out of us we might not have proceeded.
“But we always knew, and still know, just how much of an opportunity this is – for us, for our family, and for our community.”
Thanks to the State Government funded Tourism Development Loan Scheme the first stage of the project was eventually built.
“Banks are hamstringing development of new tourism product that is sorely needed, particularly in the upper Derwent Valley,’’ she said. “Thank goodness we have access to funding programs that can support business owners with passion and drive.”
The couple have applied for the next round of the Business Growth Loan Scheme to continue to grow their project.
“We are excited that stage one will now be officially open. We are excited to showcase our incredible National Park to visitors who will be able to stay longer, explore further and connect with this remarkable place. We are excited to see the jobs growth and income that comes into our community as a result.”
Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said Mt Field Retreat was a state-of-the art accommodation and conference centre.
“Mt Field Retreat is a testament to the resilience of Rachel and Greg Power to achieve their dream,” Mr. Heroys said.
“There is no doubt that this development will help us to achieve greater regional dispersal with people staying longer in this stunning part of our State” Mr. Heroys said.
“For 10 years, they have run their award-winning Waterfalls Cafe & Gallery.’’
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he was confident that with the opening of the retreat, visitor demand would only grow further for the Derwent Valley region.