August workshops for potential partners in Maydena Activity Hub

THE application period has now closed for tourism operators to submit expressions of interest in becoming part of Forestry Tasmania’s latest tourism operation, the Maydena Adventure Hub.

On Sunday, August 3, those who have registered an interest will have the opportunity to be part of a familiarisation tour of Maydena, Abbotts Peak and surrounding areas including the Styx State Forest.

On Monday and Tuesday August 4-5 workshops facilitated by an independent company will be held at the Forestry Tasmania Exhibition Hall in Melville St, Hobart to outline the business model and partnership roles, and discuss operator and Forestry Tasmania expectations.

Following the workshop potential partners will be asked to formalise their business proposals, which will form the basis of final partnership decisions.

Forestry Tasmania has received a variety of expressions of interest and is confident they will result in a wide range of high-quality activity options for visitors.

Expressions of interest have included 4WD adventure touring, guided trout fishing trips, kayaking, mountain-biking, bushwalking, ATV touring, timber operations, railways, and laser skirmishing.

The project has also attracted a range of applications for the manager/s positions. These will be assessed during the next few days and will be followed by interviews and final selection.

It is expectedthe manager/s will be appointed in time to enable them to assist with the set-up of the Maydena Adventure Hub.

The hub concept is new tourism direction for Forestry Tasmania which will provide the core experience, the journey to “the rooftop of Tasmania” at Abbotts Peak, with business partners who will take visitors into Maydena region and further.

The concept is part of Forestry Tasmania’s commitment to developing employment and business opportunities for others.

Forestry Tasmania has purchased the Maydena Trading Post for the shopfront, which is scheduled for refurbishment in spring. The footings for the eagles’ eyrie at the summit of Abbotts Peak have been started and construction will continue when the weather permits.

It is anticipated the $2.1 million infrastructure works will be finished in the first quarter of next year.