THERE was no burning rubber or engines revving, but there was plenty of curiosity and nostalgia at the Wheels on King Motor Show presented by the Lions Club of King Island.

Classic motor cars came out of the garage, shed and storage and were on display at the Currie Boat Harbour.

The day was a hit for young and young at heart. People shared memories and stories; looked at what was under the bonnet; and sat behind the wheel of beautifully restored, polished and loved cars.

Organiser Jenny Marshall was delighted.

“Today has been fantastic,” Jenny said.
“It’s great that islanders have brought out their motoring treasures and been able to show them off. I couldn’t be happier that so many people have come out on this sunny day.
“Islanders have relied on the motor vehicle to do so many things, and with no public transport, still do.
“The motor show has been a way for Lions to raise funds, which will stay on the island and be spent on the island and at the same time let people show off their pride and joy.”

Visitors wandered through the ages between vintage, classic and the odd new car, motorcycles, and bikes.

According to the King Island Historical Society’s booklet, produced to coincide with the event, “The 1912 Vulcan donated to the people of King Island by Fred Day in 2016 was probably the second or third known vehicle to arrive on the island.”

The council moved it from the King Island Airport, where it is on permanent display, to be part of the event.

Some of the vehicles on show included a red 1938 DeSoto, owned by Ian Hollander and a 1959 Morris Minor carefully looked after by Ron and Yvonne Hill.

Stephen Helbig’s Pontiac Trans Am and Tom Blake’s 1963 Studebaker attracted much attention.

A purple Valiant glistened in the sun surrounded by Fords, Holdens and the classic Land Rover wasn’t left out.

King Island Motorcycles was a major sponsor.

Their trade area proved to be very popular with a constant flow of people of all ages who checked out the latest and shiniest quads and bikes on the island.

Owners, Chantelle, and Geoff Bowling donated the major raffle prizes – a set of tyres, rollover protection and a Moto generator.

The prize-winners were Jim Benn, Gary Morgan and Irene Robbins.

The Lions Yellow food van sizzled sausages, steaks and burgers and the King Island Show Society provided soft serve ice-cream.

The new machine proved popular at its first outing. Lion Jim Benn thanked everyone for supporting the event. He particularly thanked Lion Jenny Marshall.

“The event would not have happened without her organisation and enthusiasm,” Jim said.

As the cars were driven, towed, and trucked away from the Harbour, Jenny added her own vote of thanks.

“I really want to thank Vikram, Abhi and Gordon from the council, who started at 7am setting up the site for this event.
“We need to acknowledge those who made cash donations and Terry Perry for providing the children’s prize voucher.
“I also want the community to thank King Island Motorcycles.
“They are a new business and not only did they provide the raffle major prizes but have also donated funds to this Lions Fundraising event. It has been suggested that we do this again next year…maybe Naracoopa?”

THE REBIRTH of King Island’s tungsten mine will take another step forward today with the official opening of the G6M Dolphin Mine at Grassy.

Mine management, Federal and State MPs and stakeholders have descended on the island for the ceremonial sod turning.

Group 6 Metals chairman Johann Jacobs said the mine had attracted investment of more than $90m.

“This includes support from the Tasmanian Government with $10m loan from the Tasmanian Development Board and $2m in power system upgrades through Hydro Tasmania,” Mr Jacobs said.
“The project will deliver significant financial royalties, economic activity and social dividends to King Island.
“The reopened Dolphin Mine will provide significant expansion of regional jobs with an additional 75 families to be located on King Island.”

An event was held in Hobart yesterday to mark the project’s commencement. State Growth Minister Roger said the mine reactivation would create an estimated 90 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and around 60 ongoing full-time equivalent jobs when operational.

“This is exactly the sort of project we need to boost confidence and business activity in regional Tasmania,” Mr Jaensch said.
“I commend G6M for their determination to get the project started and the King Island community for their unwavering support.”

Mr Jacobs paid tribute to Mr Jaensch and Premier Peter Gutwein, Minister Guy Barnett, the Coordinator General’s Office and the Office of Mineral Resources for their support.

“Additionally, the Federal Government’s support has been significant and we continue to work with the Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce, Resources Minister Keith Pitt through the Critical Minerals Facilitation Office and the Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Senator Jonathon Duniam in ensuring that Tasmania and Australia participate in this very important global and strategic resource sector.”

The Dolphin Tungsten Mine operated between 1917 and 1992, when it was closed due to extremely low tungsten prices, rather than a lack of reserves.

At that time, about half of the known resource was yet to be mined.

Two mines were operated, the larger Dolphin mine and the satellite Bold Head Mine.

Over the last few years, G6M has concentrated on optimising a redevelopment strategy for the Dolphin Tungsten Project.

Site works have been underway since the start of the year and several information sessions have been held for the community.

Recruitment has also begun in earnest.

Tungsten is a critical industrial metal with an element of great economic importance and King Island Scheelite plans to resume operating an an open cut mine in Grassy producing 400,000 tonnes of ore per annum.

The Dolphin Tungsten Project is expected to produce first concentrate in the March quarter of 2023.

Scheelite is a critical mineral due to its importance in everyday life through the manufacture of all transport modes, production of oil and gas and as a key input to the defence industry.

Most of the world’s supply comes out of China.

G6M will be crucial for supplying high grade Tungsten to the western world. The price of tungsten increased significantly during 2021, increasing by 36% since 1 January 2021 to US$318 per metric ton unit (10kg), reinforcing the critical nature of the metal.

KING Island businesses remain hopeful of additional and immediate Government support after a travel incentive package was unveiled to encourage visitation during the winter months.

The Government belatedly announced a travel scheme at the weekend designed to compensate visitors to King Island by providing up to $300 towards the cost of accommodation and experiences between May 1 and July 31 this year.

The reimbursement will be available to 700 bookings. Sharp Airlines will also be introducing $300 per person fares between Hobart and King Island for a limited number of seats on its three weekly services.

This special fare will also operate between May and the end of July.

The incentives are in response to concerns over mass cancellations and a decline in tourist numbers following a Government issued travel advisory urging people to stay away during the island’s Covid-19 breakout earlier this year.

While the package of incentives was welcomed, there are still concerns it doesn’t go far enough.

Others are angry the airfares apply only to Hobart based travellers and not to those in Launceston or on the North West Coast.

King Island Mayor Julie Arnold said the incentives were the result of discussions with several Government ministers and she believed there would be further consideration around Launceston flights this week.

“We knew that we definitely wanted something more,” Ms Arnold said.
“A number of things that are there were requested.
“We asked for more, more vouchers and more on the air fares.”

The Government says Business Tasmania officers will visit the island within the next fortnight to explore ways that further support might be provided to businesses impacted by the downturn.

“I’m hopeful that maybe from those discussions which are supposed to happen within a fortnight or so, there may be more for individual operators,” Ms Arnold said.
“We need to be grateful for what has happened.

There are only 700 vouchers but that’s $200,000 invested in the community.”

Details around the distribution of the discounted airfares and what the travel vouchers can be used for, given King Island has limited “tours” or “experiences” are yet to be outlined.

Ms Arnold said while bookings for March and April were fairly strong and the incentives for May, June and July would encourage more visitors, it didn’t solve all the problems.

“None of that is going to replace the almost months of totally lost income.”

Residents waiting to fly home to King Island from Launceston on Saturday were frustrated the Government’s media announcement at the Sharp Airlines terminal delayed their flight.

“Plane and passenger were ready to go but instead had to wait for the suit army to turn up and deliver the sugar-coated bull dust which resulted in an hour delay to the service,” Glenn Batey posted on social media.

Several others noted the incentives should accommodate those wanting to fly from Wynyard or Launceston.

“Why only flights from the south?” asked Andrew O’Connor.

“Only Hobart, not bothered about the North West,” Peta Parnell said.

“What about the people from the North of Tas? Costs a bloody arm and a leg wherever you’re from in Tassie,” Sandra de Jonge said.

King Island Tourism president Adam Hely welcomed the government’s support package.

“We went in with our list and it’s marvellous that the Government has responded to incentivise travel to King Island in the winter season,” Mr Hely said.
“There are details which need to be known and there are ongoing talks regarding airfares from Launceston.
“We are hoping that King Island Tourism will be involved in the voucher distribution process.
“Businesses have lost earnings but supporting the shoulder and off seasons may make up some of these losses.”

Tourism Minister Guy Barnett acknowledged that King Island businesses had done it tough.

OLIVIA Stevens and Sam Winckel have more than 30 years teaching experience between them and are looking for a new adventure on King Island.

The couple has moved from Hobart with their daughters Violet, who has started in Grade One and Rosa, who is in daycare.

The pair is among three new faces in the King Island District High Schools complement of 48 teaching staff.

Olivia has been teaching for 13 years. She will be teaching Years 7 and 8 and Years 11 and 12 English and Humanities and Social Science (HASS). Sam, originally from Adelaide, will be teaching Art – Prep to Grade 6, and Grade 6 Maths.

He will also be working across the high school classes.

He has been teaching for 20 years and taught art in Hobart for the last seven years.

Having friends on the island and an interest in fishing and body boarding prompted the family to make a change and experience small island life.

Sam has a background in professional photography and drawing is his art specialty but he enjoys working across the curriculum.

Another new face at school is Lyn Dent. She is the new laboratory and science resources technician. Lyn started working in schools about 10 years ago.

Previously she was the laboratory manager for JBS abattoir business.

She worked in the Falkland Islands, was a police officer and worked in biosecurity. “I love islands,” Lyn said.

After a few weeks she has found King to be typical of islands.

She is looking to get an outrigger canoe, enjoys the outdoors and is keen to know more about the drama and shooting clubs.

The three new teachers agreed they had found the King Island community welcoming, and friendly.

KIDHS principal Denise Bryant said the school was looking to expand its Science and increase STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) education.

“It’s a lovely school community, with parents generally involved and value education,” Ms Bryant said.
“Over the past three years, the emphasis has been to engage students.
“We have established outdoor, enrichment, pathways, and specialist option programs.
“These have evolved and in 2022 we are looking to engage students in learning and plan to increase community and student interactions and to continue building and refining Years 11 and 12 pathways.”

CONCERNS have been raised around trenching works that have started on a property near the environmentally significant Boggy Creek Geoheritage Site, prompting a visit and inspection from department officials.

The geoheritage site is otherwise known as “tufa terraces”, a rare and endangered ecological plant community.

The King Island Council has requested that trench digging stop and the Tasmanian Department of Natural Resource and Environment – Tasmanian Waterways is investigating.

It is understood the property owners had indicated that drain clearing works were needed and that boundary fencing required replacement.

Mayor Julie Arnold said to her knowledge, there were no Development Applications for the site.

“As far as I am aware the new owners are planning to run some cattle and have been replacing old fencing and fixing existing drains, and the matter is being investigated by the appropriate authorities,” Ms Arnold said.

The property owners have not responded to requests for comment.

The King Island Natural Resource Management Group (now King Island Landcare) received a Federal Government grant to protect the “tufa terraces” and coastal complex” within the area.

The terraces and coastal complex plant communities and zone extends into private landholders’ property and coastal paddocks.

The terraces and rim stone pools are delicate formations, which are nation-ally significant and listed in the Tasmanian Geoheritage Database.

King Island Landcare says the pools probably started forming 5000 to 6000 years ago.

This was when the sea level stabilised at about the level it is today.

The pools are composed of lime or calcium carbonate, which originated from the dunes just inland from the coast.

These dunes have a very high shell content.

When it rains water percolates through the topsoil becoming slightly acidic, percolates further and dissolves the lime out of the dunes and then continues to flow down towards the sea where it comes out onto the surface as a spring.

The water chemistry changes, it becomes less acidic, and the lime comes out of solution and is precipitated over rough spots such as rocks or the pool edges.

These are known as rim stone pools and they continue to grow today.

Boggy Creek tufa terraces are the best examples in Australia, which, unusually, have developed outside limestone or dolomite caves where they are normally found.

The old rocks and reefs at this site underlie vast parts of the island and are thought to be about 1000 million years old

KING Island’s Covid outbreak is officially over as the Tasmanian Government moves to repair some of the damage done by its public health travel advisory earlier this year.

The Government is poised to announce a new incentive program to encourage more people to visit King Island and spend more while they are there.

It’s likely to be similar to voucher schemes that have run previously reimbursing travellers for part of their expenses.

The King Island program is part of the Government’s belated response to business concerns over mass cancellations following the Covid outbreak at the start of the year.

Public Health urged people to stay away from King Island as it dealt with Coronavirus cases and businesses say they’ve lost tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars in forward bookings and lost earning as a result.

There have been 142 Covid cases in total linked to King Island since December 29.There are currently three active cases.

The Department of Health said the identification of new cases had slowed in the past week, suggesting that the initial outbreak on King Island was over.

Premier Peter Gutwein acknowledged that King Island had faced some challenges recently and said as a result the Government was finalising a package to kickstart visitation on the island.

“Later this week we will be announcing the details of a new incentive program that will focus on driving more visitors and increasing spending on the island, providing further sup-port to the King Island economy,” Mr Gutwein said.
“This new program will be avail-able to Tasmanian and interstate travellers, with this support to ensure more visitors are engaging in the incredible experiences and hospitality the island has to offer.”

Tourism Tasmania is also working with King Island Tourism and the local council to deliver a new targeted marketing campaign of up to $100,000 in value.

Mr Gutwein said this would focus on both the Tasmanian and interstate markets to encourage travel to the island.

“We have always said that we will do more to provide support for our economy where that is needed,” he said.
“These announcements are yet another example of this commitment as King Island continues to recover from the Covid out-break earlier this year.”

Flights between Hobart and King Island will also continue to be underwritten by the State Government until the end of the year.

The Government had committed $1 million to underwrite flights between Hobart and the Bass Strait islands.

The arrangement was due to end in March.

However, Mr Gutwein said there was capacity to continue the arrangement until the end of the year.

“The services have been a roaring success and have given more Tasmanians the ability to explore these unique parts of our special island State,” he said.
“Both the airline and the Government embarked on this journey with the goal of establishing and then growing the services to the point where they would be sustainable.”

King Island Tourism president Adam Hely said while welcome, the incentives were not enough to help those who had suffered losses in recent months.

“I am excited that the government has created incentives to help increase travel to King Island,” Mr Hely said.
“While the stimulus is looking to future bookings, when looking at the individual cases, the solution is not assisting businesses which have been detrimentally effected by the travel advisory.”

Mayor Julie Arnold also believes more is needed and said she continued to push the case for greater support.

“I am still in discussions with the Premier and the council has made it clear to the government what King Island needs,” Ms Arnold said.

King Island Chamber of Commerce president Rose Hallet is backing the mayor.

“The chamber is very supportive of what the mayor is doing,” Ms Hallet said.

The latest support initiatives followed the Government’s announcement it would double financial help for Covid affected businesses to $10,000 as part of Round Two of the Impact Support Program.

Some King Island businesses have not bothered applying to Round One funding as they have found it too difficult, too costly to obtain the required information given the level of payment or were not eligible as they were new businesses not trading in the beginning of 2020/21 financial year.

Businesses that received assistance through Round One of the program may still be eligible to apply under Round Two.

Funding is available to busi-nesses that have experienced a reduction in business due to Covid-19, this time for the period 15 January 2022 to 14 February 2022.

This is consistent with the first round of the program which is for support for the month up to 14 January 2022.

Payments of between $1000 and $5000 will also be available to businesses that experienced an unavoidable loss of perishable goods because they have had to close for seven days or more.

Payments will be tiered according to business turnover.

FRUSTRATED King Island tourism and business operators have taken their case for additional support direct to the Government during a visit by Braddon Liberal MP Felix Ellis.

Mr Ellis visited King Island last week and met tourism operators who are facing disaster after mass cancellations triggered by public health advice to delay travel to the island during a Covid-19 outbreak.

Sudden cancellations have cost tourism operators hundreds of thou-sands of dollars.

Some are facing losses of up to $250,000 in cancelled business in the first five days after the advisory announcement.

So far 137 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in relation to the King Island outbreak which began in early January.

Two recent cases were identified on January 19 and 22.

There are a total of three active cases diagnosed in the last seven days.

The outbreak response team has now been stood down.

Premier Peter Gutwein has announced the first tranche of the new Covid-19 Business Impact Support Program for eligible Tasmanian businesses, offering up to $5000 in support.

However, tourism operators, businesses and King Island Mayor Julie Arnold were disappointed when Mr Gutwein did not announce any form of extra relief or support specifically for King Island businesses directly affected by the govern-mentissued travel advisory.

Mr Ellis, who also attended a meeting of the King Island Chamber of Commerce and spoke with Ms Arnold, said the support package was designed to help businesses get back on their feet.

“Importantly, this is only Tranche 1 of the program, with more support to be provided for the period beyond January 14 in future tranches,” Mr Ellis said.

At the Chamber of Commerce meet-ing members reported that 70 to 90 per cent of tourism cancellations did not fall within the Covid-19 Business Impact Support Program period.

Mr Ellis reinforced Tourism Minister Jeremy Rockliff’s previously announced marketing program through Tourism Tasmania to promote the island.

“I will continue to engage closely with the King Island community as we continue through this transition phase and learn to live with Covid-19,” Mr Ellis said.

The plight of King Island has also now gained Federal attention.

Labor Candidate for Brad-don, Chris Lynch, said it was inexcusable that, in the third year of this pandemic, there was a situation on King Island where businesses were being disproportionately affected by the Covid pandemic compared with the rest of Tasmania.

“The King Island economy relies heavily on tourism, and you can’t just shut that down without causing an extraor-dinary amount of financial stress,” Mr Lynch said.

Labor Senator Anne Urqu-hart has been watching the King Island situation unfold.

“Prime Minister Scott Morrison and local MP Gavin Pearce like to pretend this is not their problem,” Senator Urquhart said.

“King Island holds a special place in my heart. I am a regular visitor to the island and the level of distress and anger I am hearing is causing me great concern.

“It’s clear from talking to businesses on King Island that there is a very high level of anxiety and people are genuinely concerned that some businesses may not survive.

“King Island has been heav-ily impacted by the Covid pandemic. Many of these busi-nesses ate heavily into their financial reserves in 2020/21 when King Island was virtually closed.

“Now is the time for Gavin Pearce to step up and organise some relief for the King Island economy.”

Mr Pearce said Federal Government support was available to those affected by the pandemic and he would work with individuals on a case-by-case basis to access help.

“If you’re currently unable to work and earn income because you have to quarantine or isolate, you may qualify for federal assistance through the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.“

“I know the island is doing it tough at the moment. If you need assistance, are struggling to find the support you need, or you don’t know where to turn, turn to me. My office number is 6431 1333.”

Business owners who attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting with Mr Ellis said bookings were not being rescheduled and the King Island brand had been damaged.

“There’s a long-term loss of confidence. It’s different to the Tassie experience and the assumption that loss of confidence is short term is wrong and the government advisory made sure we couldn’t bounce back but ensured we crashed.

“The cancellations extend to mid-year and beyond,” one operator said.

An accommodation operator said they had also experienced cancellations.

“The two main cancellations have been from Tasmanian State Government departments and the departments were not interested in rescheduling,” they said.

Ms Arnold said she continued to lobby and work with the Gov-ernment to seek additional sup-port for King Island.

“I know that so many of our tourism operators were very disappointed with the first tranche, so we can only hope that with more advocacy and with more understanding through our local members and our MLC Ruth Forrest, that the second tranche payments will be more appropriate for our people,”

Ms Arnold told King Island Radio.

“We’ll do everything that we can. And I personally will do everything I can to make sure that the King Island situation is well understood.”