The Hon Peter Gutwein MP
Liberal Member for Bass
Treasurer
Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage

Tender for marine vessel at Strahan now open
 

13 November 2019 

After 30 years of service, the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) Shearwater vessel will be retired.

A request for tender to build, supply and deliver a new vessel for PWS on the West Coast is now open.

The new vessel will provide increased reliability, safety and comfort and increase the number of days the boat can operate in the variety of weather conditions experienced on the West Coast.

Tasmania’s National Parks, Reserves and wilderness areas are a key driver of tourism in regional areas around our state.

The Hodgman majority Liberal Government’s modernising of our Park entry fees allows us to invest more into the sustainability of our Parks, while reducing the cost for those who regularly access them.

The new fee structure is expected to generate additional revenue of around $3 million per annum, which will be reinvested, in full, into projects like this and other infrastructure, maintenance and service delivery across our Parks.

The Shearwater will remain in service until the new vessel is delivered in early next year.

The Shearwater has allowed PWS staff to complete park management duties in places only accessible by boat in the broader Macquarie Harbour area. Over the years it has transported volunteers, Wildcare groups, researchers and scientists to remote locations for a variety of purposes.

Tender documents are available at https://www.tenders.tas.gov.au/. Submissions close on 20 November 2019.