Gordon River hotel plan powers ahead
World Heritage Cruises operator Troy Grining with one of the boats he is hoping to operate in the South-West
A FLOATING hotel proposed for the Gordon River would generate its own hydro-electricity among a host of green features for operation in World Heritage wilderness.
Tourists would be treated to 360-degree views of the river and forest in a purpose-built vessel to be known as the Lighthouse.
The proposal is among those to have made it to the second stage of the State Government’s expression of interest process for tourism ventures in wilderness areas.
Strahan operator World Heritage Cruises is proposing the 40-cabin vessel, which would sail as far as Sir John Falls — more than 20km further than current cruises — if approval was granted.
“Everyone’s heard about the Franklin River but no one can ever see it,” proponent Troy Grining told the Sunday Tasmanian.
“It’s just spectacular at the top end of the river but you can’t get there. It’s all right if you want to be a rafter, if you’re fit enough but for people who can’t it’s out of bounds.”
The company will build the first of two new boats to be part of the proposed venture this year, despite awaiting approval.
The 36m Harbour Master will be used for the Macquarie Harbour part of the cruise and to deliver supplies and remove waste from the Lighthouse.
It will be ready by December but the second part of the $15 million project will only be completed if State Government approval is forthcoming.
Currently, commercial boats are limited to the lower reaches of the Gordon.
“We’re talking about something that’s not going to leave any footprint at all,” Mr Grining said.
“It’s going to be zero wash, it’s going to be driven electrically, so there’ll be no pollution, no noise.”
The 45m Lighthouse will be fitted with solar panels and possibly turbines that would be dropped at night to harness the river’s energy.
Rooms are expected to cost about $500 a night but will range down to bunk accommodation for budget travellers.
In Hobart this week to work on another vessel, Mr Grining said he hoped red tape would not get in the way.
“We’re still waiting for a licence now for [previous vessel] the Discovery – it’s been sold eight years,” he said.
“You can’t do business like that.”
Source: Herald Sun - 5th April 2015
