Media Release - Council welcomes Liberal Party’s $2.8 million promise for Ben Lomond

Posted on April 29, 2021

Northern Midlands Council has welcomed the Tasmanian Liberal Party’s $2.8 million commitment to upgrade Ben Lomond's snowfields and ageing infrastructure if elected on 1 May.

Mayor Mary Knowles said Council was supportive of any initiative to improve facilities on the state's second-highest peak.

“I have always advocated for increased investment to improve the experience as I believe Ben Lomond's potential is not being fully realised,” Mayor Knowles said.

“For many years, Ben Lomond has been the premier ski slope in Tasmania, but its lack of infrastructure means it is treated as a winter destination only.

“This is a major tourism drawcard in the Northern Midlands region and it is important we secure the investment and commitment needed to ensure the destination is appropriately resourced all year round.”

Along with other stakeholders, tourism operators on the mountain have been calling on the government to take a leadership role by investing in infrastructure for many years.

“The Liberal Party has now committed to investigating the potential expansion of snowmaking on Ben Lomond, identifying priority infrastructure beyond the public shelter that has already been commissioned and developing a new Ben Lomond masterplan,” Mayor Knowles said.

“These funding promises are always welcome, but we must ensure any new management plan is inclusive of people who don't belong to any of the established ski clubs at the village.

“The ski village on Ben Lomond is ageing and while a permanent public shelter has been funded and commissioned, construction has been delayed until the 2021 summer season.”

Labor has also made a commitment to improve infrastructure at Ben Lomond.

The visitor centre will receive a share of funding from a $40 million 'Parks for Jobs Now' initiative promised by Labor.

For further information, please contact Mayor Mary Knowles OAM on 0408 766 625.