The state government is seeking a private operator to take over the Hastings Thermal Springs Precinct, drawing criticism from Labor and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU).
Parks Minister Nick Duigan has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for businesses to lease and manage the 8.9-hectare precinct within Hastings Caves State Reserve, which draws nearly 60,000 visitors a year.
The site includes the thermal pool, cafe, visitors centre, BBQ and picnic facilities, car parking and walking tracks.
Duigan said the government wanted an operator who could offer ‘innovative, sustainable and appropriate visitor experiences.’
Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity and a vision for running the site commercially.
Cave tours at Newdegate Cave will remain with Parks and Wildlife Service.
The announcement has revived questions about a $3 million election promise the Liberals made during the 2021 state campaign for redevelopment of the site.
A Liberal Party press release from April 2021 stated that if re-elected there would be ‘$3 million for the Thermal Pool at Hastings to significantly renovate and upgrade the popular pool, one of the state’s iconic natural assets, and upgrade the pool’s surrounds to ensure it is fully accessible for people with disability or impaired mobility.’
The money has since been redirected to Maria Island.
CPSU general secretary Thirza White said the latest move was a broken promise.
“Instead of honouring its 2021 commitment to invest $3m in Hastings, this government is walking away from a public redevelopment and handing the opportunity to a private operator instead,” she said.
Shadow Minister Janie Finlay described the EOI as outright privatisation.
“This is what happens after 13 years of Liberal waste and mismanagement – they cut health, cut jobs, break promises and offload public assets to pay for their mess.”
Greens Parks spokeswoman Tabatha Badger offered a more measured view, saying Parks had been “refreshingly open” about the process.
“The running of a pool is outside the scope of Parks and Wildlife’s core business, and with their shoestring budget being cut further, it is reasonable they are seeking avenues to lease this particular commercial operation,” she said.
Mark Jessop, a councillor in Huon Valley and candidate in the next mayoral election, said he was disappointed with the loss of the promised $3million.
“I feel decisions like this show a lack of an integrated strategy for tourism destinations in the Huon Valley,” he said.
“So many tourism promises that never seem to get over the line with this Government and changes in direction (like this one) are made with NO sector consultation.”
Expressions of interest close on 27 July.
