Shayla showed how we all care

Tasman Mayor Kelly Spaulding gives us his updates on the last month on the Peninsula.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who was involved in the search for Shayla Phillips at Highcroft/Stormlea last month.

The response from the community was amazing and included people dropping off donations of food and too many offers of help to mention everyone individually.

A heartfelt thank you to Tasmania Police, SES, Parks and Wildlife Services, Victorian Police, those flying helicopters and operating drones, the horse riders and dog handlers and the many, many individuals and businesses that helped in every way possible.

COVID-19 is still active in our community, and while the statistics show that we are going well compared to some places, it’s important to stay vigilant.

While masks are now voluntary in a lot of places it is still one of your best protections against the virus along with regular hand hygiene.

I’ll be going to get my Covid booster as soon as I’m able to, as this helps to build immunity and lessen the effects of Covid.

If you’ve not had a chance to Shayla showed how we all care get yours yet, please consider popping into the chemist or making an appointment at your GP to get one.

Unfortunately I was struck down with Covid in early March and self-isolated for the required time before testing negative again.

I had strong reactions to both my vaccinations and was very lucky to have relatively mild symptoms while I had the virus.

On a more cheery note, congratulations to all those who were involved with the Koonya Garlic festival.

It was a fantastic event, great to see it up and running again and to see all the locals and visitors out having a good time.

Don’t forget ANZAC Day coming up on the April 25.

The Nubeena Sub-Branch of the RSL will be hosting both the Dawn Service and 11am Service at the Nubeena Cenotaph.

A Gunpowder Breakfast will again be available at the Ex-Service Club in Nubeena after the Dawn Service, and we’ll see the return of the ANZAC March heading off from Judd Park for the 11am Service.

Many of you would know that the State Government is conducting a review of local government, and looking at local government reform.

While we don’t know what that will look like, we have learnt from past experience that it’s important to have your say.

More information is available at a website set up by the state – The future of local government review – which can be found here: https://www.futurelocal.tas.gov.au/
If you look under the ‘Events’ tab you’ll see that there is a survey that you can complete, or a list of workshops and pop-ups that you can attend.

I’m disappointed to see that the closest event to us is in Sorell and will be looking to see if something can be added for the Tasman area.

Taswater has started gathering information for a report into water and sewage in the Tasman.

This will focus on the existing infrastructure at the Port Arthur scheme, but they may also be investigating other options.

As part of this they will be running some community information sessions, so please keep an eye out and attend if you can.

While it’s unlikely to end up with a full water and sewage system being available, it may be an opportunity to provide water collection points for potable water, or fix some of the issues around our beaches, where we have seen evidence of increased nutrients.

Neck widening work begins

THE widening of the Arthur Highway across Eaglehawk Neck, incorporating a footpath started last month.

President of the Eaglehawk Neck Action Community Taskforce Arthur Orchard praised the State Government for taking action to provide for a safe crossing for both pedestrians and vehicles.

He said it was a long time coming but well worth the wait.

The roadworks started with an archaeological dig to ensure any remaining footings from either the Commissariat Store or Guard House, once standing at the end of the convict jetty near the Dog Line, were not disturbed by the new road works.

No footings were discovered at the depth for the new road works and clearing vegetation was able to begin without delay.

The construction of left and right turning lanes off the Arthur Highway at the Blowhole Road intersection has meant a 20-plus metre widening.

A new sea rock wall is being built all the way back to near the entrance to the Hall, just past the Dog Line.

It is understood that once this is built traffic will be diverted on to the new side of the road while the existing portion is rebuilt and the footpath constructed.

Readers may recall that the road works were delayed from the initial proposed start on November 30 last year when concerns were raised within the Aboriginal community about the prospect of disturbing a sacred site.

State Roads agreed to alter the design of the road widening to avoid any possible disturbance by pushing the road further into Eaglehawk Bay and reducing the width of the footpath from 2 to 1.5 metres.

Works on the road widening are expected to be completed by August

Wait is over for walkers

CONSTRUCTION of the much anticipated coastal track at Eaglehawk Neck is under way.

Eaglehawk Neck Action Community Taskforce President Arthur Orchard said:

“It’s been a long haul to now, from the public meeting held at the EHN Hall back in 2013, when the idea for the track was overwhelmingly agreed to be a priority to provide a safe connection for residents and visitors around Pirates Bay.’’

Mr Orchard said the project had been a real community effort with many making a direct financial contribution, working-in-kind or giving a significant discount for work undertaken.

Roadworks began on Tuesday, February 15, and Mtn Trails Pty Ltd arrived on site on Monday, February 28, to start the coastal reserve section of the track.

The route was cleared by a remote-controlled automated track-mounted mulching machine which churned through the vegetation leaving the mulch in place, saving days of back-breaking clearing using brush cutters.

AJR Construct Pty Ltd will soon arrive on site to construct a boardwalk and ramp across the coastal reserve to the beach just north-east of the Officers’ Quarters Museum.

The Tasman Council agreed in July 2020 to construct its sections of stage one of the track that are on its land and will soon be calling for expressions of interest from contractors to undertake this work.

The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service have said they would construct the 100 metres of track from the car park at the Officers’ Quarters Museum to he new bus stop, to be installed opposite the intersection with Old Jetty Road.

The coastal reserve section is expected to be completed before July once weeding and planting has been undertaken following the track construction.

Amazing days here again

IT’S been six years in the making and now Tasmania’s newest tourism attraction, an $8.2m redeveloped maze at Richmond, has opened.

Amaze Richmond opened at the start of the month and challenges visitors to solve 2.6km of traditional and timber mazes.

Forget apps and maps to guide you through the twist and turns, Amaze Richmond has focused on creating a challenging and traditional family experience in a sustainable environment that will also highlight Tasmania’s culinary offerings.

Stage one of the attraction, which is now complete, includes: • 1.2km traditional hedge maze; 1.4km timber maze with changing gates;
• A 120-seat licensed cafe;
• Undercover multi-purpose atrium;
• Visitor centre and provedore offering Tasmanian gourmet products; and
• Parking for 85 cars and buses.

Stage two is underway and will include:
• Platypus Sanctuary;
• Maze viewing tower;
• Children’s playground and party room;
• Whisky/gin cellar door and a commercial dining facility; and
• Gelato parlour.

The company behind the attraction is the A-MAZE-ING Group with Dean Coleman (Project Management/Design) and Wayne Upton (builder) at its helm.

“Our focus at Amaze is on entertainment for the entire family unit. We know that post-Covid, families are placing more emphasis than ever on spending quality time together,” Mr Coleman said.
“Combined with the Coal Valley’s modern emphasis on niche agri-produce and fine wine production, it creates an environment that allows this project to blend with the region and the target tourism market.”

General manager Matthew Waller said youngsters would enjoy the freedom and safety of the complex, teenagers could revel in the intrigue and challenge of the mazes and older visitors could enjoy the best of Tasmania’s gourmet offerings.

Mr Upton said the pittosporum hedges had taken six years to grow to a level of two metres.

“We have used approximately 2500 plants in the hedge maze and surrounding site landscaping,” he said.
“We have significantly invested in the materials used onsite to ensure that operationally the site runs well, looks fantastic and stays that way for generations to come.
“Even the original timber maze materials have been reused round the site.

“The timber maze has been constructed using a mixture of long-lasting timbers based not just on appearance but also sustainability, so you can spot the use of marine ply, but also spotted gum and Tasmanian oak,” he said.
“By inserting gates in both the hedge and timber mazes we can regularly change up the experience for visitors with new maze challenges every month.’’

Bream Creek back on show

THE Bream Creek Showgrounds were packed with revellers in March as the show finally returned to entertain crowds for the 119th year after a two-year break.

It was a sweet moment for Bream Creek Show Society president Andrew Bennett, who after three years in the position, could finally welcome patrons into the showgrounds.

“In my previous two shows that I’ve been president, my first show, in 2020, was cancelled a week before, because of Covid, and last year we didn’t run at all.”

Limitations were placed on the capacity of the event, though Mr Bennett did point out that there must have been 4999 people in the showgrounds at any time.

“Up until this year we’ve never counted numbers, but we’ve usually worked on having about 5000 here, so to get that many on our return is amazing.”

Some highlights of the day included the spectacle of the tree felling competitions, the Bream Creek Iron Women race, the Bream Creek Show team whipping the kids in to a frenzy with the lolly toss, and Shane Newitt’s record-breaking pumpkin, setting a show-record of 736kg

Golden days for our tourism

TOURISM operators on Tasmania’s East Coast, in the South East and on Tasman Peninsula have cemented themselves as a premier tourism destination having won several gold, silver and bronze medals at last month’s Australian Qantas Tourism Awards.

In total, Tasmanian attractions won eight gold medals, more than any other State.

Local gold medalists were Coal River Farm, Saffire Freycinet and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys and bronze medals were awarded to the Tasmanian Walking Company Maria Island, Bay of Fires and Tasman Peninsula.

Premier and Tourism Minister Peter Gutwein said the world’s best secret was out.

“When it comes to tourism you need not look any further than Tasmania for an extraordinary experience,’’ Mr Gutwein said. “Tasmania’s tourism industry is world-class and supports thousands of jobs across the state, and these fantastic results will encourage even more people to travel here and see what we have to offer.’’

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said winners were spread across the state, reflecting the resilience and commitment to excellence.

“Wherever you look, there are some wonderful stories among these results,’’ Mr Martin said.
“Our world-leading operators, Saffire Freycinet, Pumphouse Point, and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, have all won gold, cementing their status as among Australia’s great visitor experiences.
“Coal River Farm have collected their first gold for Tourism Retail and Hire Services.
“Few Tasmanians would truly appreciate the scale of investment Daniel Leesong has made through Covid in opening three new Coal River Farm retail stores in WA, as well as in the iconic Bank Arcade in central Melbourne.
“To say this has been a challenge for him with the border restrictions would be a massive understatement, and this Award is testament to his resilience and courage.’’

Tasmanian Gold Medalists:
Coal River Farm (Tourism Retail & Hire Services);
Saffire Freycinet (5 Star – Luxury – Accommodation);
Wonder of Wynyard Exhibition & Visitor Information Centre (Visitor Information Services);
Pumphouse Point (Unique Accommodation);
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys (Major Tourism and Transport Operators);
Gordon River Cruises (Tour and Transport Operators);
Mures Tasmania (Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services);
and Blue Derby Pods Ride (Judges Choice for innovation through Covid).

Tasmanian Silver Medalists:
MACq 01 Hotel (4-4.5 Star Accommodation);
Kittawa Lodge, King Island (New Tourism Business);
Coal River Farm Cambridge, Hobart, Launceston (Excellence In Food Tourism);
and Wukalina Walk larapuna (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism).

Tasmanian Bronze Medalists:
Peppers Silo Hotel (Launceston Business Event Venues);
Ashdowns of Dover Bed and Breakfast (Hosted Accommodation);
and Tasmanian Walking Company, Cradle Mountain, Bay of Fires, (Tasman Peninsula Ecotourism).

Our little miracle

AFTER 48 hours of fearing for the worst, a faint cry of “Mummy, I’m here” ended the search for four-year-old Shayla Phillips.

Shayla’s mum Bianca Page got the news she was desperately waiting for.

Searchers had been calling out her name repeatedly as they searched and eventually she popped her head up from the bushes to say, “Mummy, I’m here.’’

About 100 personnel from Tasmania Police, SES, Parks and Wildlife Service, Victorian police, drone operators, helicopters and searchers on horseback had been searching the heavily wooded area nearby Shayla’s Stormlea home for two days and two relatively cold nights.

Ms Page was reunited with her daughter and immediately they were taken by paramedics to the Royal Hobart Hospital for assessment.

The remarkable survival brought joy to all Tasmanians and beyond.

Ms Page took to Facebook to thank everyone involved “from the bottom of my heart’’.

“I am currently sitting here with my precious baby girl with a few bruises, scratches, bites and an urine infection after spending over 48 hours alone in the bush,’’ Ms Page emotionally revealed. “A huge big thank you to the SES, Tasmania Police, Victorian officers, ambulance and all the locals of the Peninsula, my friends and family and the whole of Tasmania.
“The messages I received from everybody, your thoughts and prayers were all so overwhelming.

“I seriously honestly cannot thank you enough.’’

Shayla was found on March 25 about 4pm in bushland one kilometre from where she was last seen, playing with neighbours dogs in her backyard.

Inspector Gavin Hallett said Shayla was found in a heavily wooded and sloping area, where searchers crawled on hands and knees to ensure nothing was missed.

“We always believed that we would find her. We knew that we would,’’ Inspector Hallett said.
“It was an effort of perseverance.
“This was always a search-and-rescue operation, no one wavered in their resolve to find Shayla and bring her home safely.
“I’m relieved we have achieved the outcome we had all hoped for.’’

Tasman Mayor Kelly Spaulding spoke for the whole community when he thanked all those involved in the search.

“The response from the community was amazing, and included people dropping off donations of food and too many offers of help to mention everyone individually,’’ Mr Spaulding said.
“A heartfelt thank you. “I’m very proud to say that this is just another fine example of how our community comes together in difficult times.
“The NBN brought in emergency booster technology to help with internet coverage for emergency services at short notice and there were literally hundreds of people ready to assist with searching if the search was expanded.’’

Long wait for fuel fix

IT’S likely to be weeks if not months before fuel price relief is felt at the bowser on King Island.

Residents are already subjected to some of the highest prices in the country which is unlikely to change even with the Federal Government’s decision to temporarily halve the fuel excise tax in this week’s Federal Budget.

This week fuel prices on King Island hovered around $2.33 a litre for diesel and unleaded.

It’s expected the lower fuel prices – prompted by the Federal Government’s move to cut the excise by 22 cents a litre – won’t be felt until the tanks are refilled at the island’s storage facility.

It’s claimed the excise reduction will save motorists an average of $12 on 60-70 litre tank of fuel.

The Federal Government claims a family running two cars regularly is poised to save up to $700 over the six month period the excise is being halved.

The RACT has welcomed the move but says it is just the beginning.

The organisation is pushing for more of the fuel excise funds to be spent on road upgrades around Tasmania.

It’s possible some businesses or farmers who bought in bulk to avoid future price rises due to worldwide supply issues, may have also hedged the wrong way and be unable to take advantage of cheaper prices for some time.

Frosi Transport owner Steve Fosi is hopeful prices will fall.

“I buy fuel every few days directly from TasPorts so I am totally dependent on what they do with the excise cut,” Mr Frosi said.
“I would expect they will pass it on. I have worked in their fuel business and I have found them to be very good at this sort of thing.”

Jed Weitjens buys fuel direct from off the island. He said it was a waiting game to see when the reduction took effect and if his supplier passed on the lower charge.

“There’s more than excise that impacts the price as I need to maintain storage while using a weekly shipping service that can be delayed or have schedule changes,” Mr Weitjens said.

Eliza Williams from the King Island Petrol Station said it made no real difference to her as they had a fixed margin.

The business gets a bill from TasPorts and the prices will depend on how much fuel is still sitting in current storage.

In addition to the fuel excise cuts, the Tasmanian Government has taken steps to alleviate transport costs by making travel on public buses free across the state for the next five weeks.

Those on King Island say there’s no benefit to them given there are no buses, or indeed no public transport on King Island.

There have been calls for the Government to find an alternative way to compensate islanders and ease the cost of living pressures.

The Federal Budget included a one-off payment of $250 for those on Centrelink payments and concession cards while other income earners are set to benefit from additional payments at tax time of between $420 and $1500 as part of the Low and Middle Income Tax Offset.

Sharp Fare Rise – Fuel costs blamed for airfare increase

AIRFARES to King Island are set to rise despite a Tasmanian Government subsidy being paid on certain flights.

The rising price of fuel has prompted Sharp Airlines to increase airfares by six per cent in coming weeks.

It goes against the trend elsewhere in the country where cheap flights and travel deals are attempting to refloat the sector in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The jet fuel price has soared since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Sharp Airlines managing director Malcolm Sharp said the company could no longer continue to absorb the higher costs.

“Sharp Airlines has endeavoured to absorb these global fuel price increases but they are no longer in a position to continue absorbing the rising costs of fuel,” Mr Sharp said.
“Fuel represents about 20 per cent of our operating costs.
“As a result: over the course of the next week, we wish to advise that our airfares will increase by approximately six per cent.

The fuel-related increase will be reviewed monthly.

“Once our fuel costs reduce to a sustainable level, we will decrease the amount and that will be reflected in an airfare reduction,” Mr Sharp said.

The airline’s CEO Dallas Hay confirmed the price hike would be applied to all passenger flights.

The Tasmanian Government has put in place an underwriting agreement with Sharp Airlines to introduce a “Red Hot Winter” return fare of $300 per person between Hobart and King Island for a limited number of seats on its three weekly services.

It followed a public health warning for people to avoid travel to King Island during a Covid outbreak earlier this year.

The special limited fare offer went on sale on February 14 for flights from Hobart to King Island from May 1 through until the end of July 2022.

The incentive package includes a $100,000 state-funded marketing campaign principally targeting Victorians to travel to King Island during the off-peak/winter season.

The winter airfare promotion is in addition to the Government’s extension of their underwriting agreement with Sharp Airlines flights between both Hobart and King Island and Flinders Island.

This agreement was designed to establish a new air route and to encourage Southern Tasmanians to travel to the islands, which were particularly vulnerable due to international and mainland tourism loss due to Tasmanian pandemic border closures.

Mr Hay said while the fuel recovery levy would be applied to all routes within the Sharp network a levy on freight was not envisaged at this time.

New island link begins – SeaRoad pledges a seamless ship link

KING ISLAND’S new shipping arrangements have begun with transport company SeaRoad starting its new weekly trans-shipping service for Bass Island Line.

The change follows the end of Bass Island Line’s triangular service linking King Island, Bell Bay and Melbourne which has caused much debate and raised many questions over costs and capacity impacts.

SeaRoad won the tender to transport BIL’s King Island freight between Devonport and Melbourne, replacing BIL’s Victorian port call.

SeaRoad Executive Chairman Chas Kelly said the company was successful with its bid because it presented a seamless and efficient Bass Strait transport solution.

“With Bass Island Line sailing to West Devonport, partnering with SeaRoad provides a financially sustainable option for its operator, TasPorts, and meets customer demand for a Devonport call,” Mr Kelly said.
“We look forward to delivering the high standard of service for which SeaRoad is known, and enabling local businesses, such as renowned King Island food brands, to meet their operational demands.”

SeaRoad expects to transport about 20m twenty-foot-equivalent units per week for BIL via its vessels SeaRoad Mersey II and Liekut.

The on-island booking agent for King Island to Melbourne is Jim McKenzie Agencies and Melbourne to King Island is Tas Cargo Services.

McKenzie’s can provide advice and detailed information sheets regarding the King Island to Melbourne and Melbourne to King Island freight processes and charges.

These are available from their office in Currie or can be emailed.

Cars being sent off the island are containerised at Grassy for shipment to Devonport.

And cars exceeding the maximum car dimensions will be deck-stowed on the ship, John Duigan.

Cars are not containerised on the SeaRoad Shipping vessels but are stowed inside the vessel.

The ship departs Grassy for Devonport on Tuesday (weather permitting), and cars and freight will need to be dropped to the Grassy wharf on Tuesday at the latest between 8 am and 9 am or between 8 am and 3.30 pm on the other days of the week when TasPorts is open.

Cars are unloaded in Devonport on Wednesday and transferred to the SeaRoad Shipping terminal.

Cars will arrive in Port Melbourne on Thursday.

Cars are booked for Devonport to Melbourne or Melbourne to Devonport by Tas Cargo Services and this service is included in the rate.

Cars and general cargo can only be dropped off at SeaRoad shipping in Port Melbourne on the day of sailing – Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, between 7.30 am and 11 am and will arrive on King Island on Tuesday.

The Bass Island Line Tourist Rate is a free return to King Island of your car from Melbourne.

You must be flying to and from Melbourne around the same time as your car is being shipped.

A copy of your airline ticket must be provided to qualify.

The free return trip must be completed three months from the first trip.

If a different car is returned on the free return leg, a surcharge will apply.

Commercial, Laden Vehicles or business cars do not qualify for the Tourist Rate.

The Federal Government Bass Strait freight equalisation scheme $243 rebate King Island to Melbourne or Melbourne to King Island continues to be available and is subject to criteria.

A second rebate of $243 can be claimed when the car returns and can take up to six weeks for the deposit into your account.

Claim forms are available from Jim McKenzie Agencies.

Rates include Bass Island Line and SeaRoad shipping sea freight costs, Infrastructure Levy and TasPorts wharfage (Grassy $49.83 inclusive and Devonport $49.83 inclusive.) Unladen Vehicles up to 5.5 metres long.

One way vehicle with no rebate – $931.98 One way with rebate (if applicable) deducted – $688.98 Tourist Rate return trip first Rebate deducted – $788.64 After the Tourist Rate return trip another $243 rebate (if applicable) can be claimed making the total cost of return trip $545.64.

Different vehicles returning on a Tourist Rate will incur an additional surcharge – $323.57 Questions remain around the future of the shipping of laden vehicles to King Island from Melbourne.

Historically there have been different rates for different categories of vehicles eg standard medium and large.

King Island sources Trades people and technical specialists from mainland Australia and this includes bringing their tools and equipment to the island in work vehicles.

There are concerns that SeaRoad rules around the shipping of unladen vehicles will impact these services.