The
Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority’s (PAHSMA’s) success in
the 2012 Tasmanian Tourism Awards has been a highlight of a difficult
but productive period.
In the 2011-12 financial year PAHSMA had some major achievements,
despite a difficult time for the tourism industry and general financial
uncertainty.
Visitor numbers at Port Arthur fell slightly, as did overall visitors
to Tasmania. Nationally, the market environment continued to be very
challenging, with lower consumer confidence many consumers prefer to
save than spend and the high Australian dollar making overseas travel
more affordable. However, growth from China continued to rise and a
record number of cruise ships visited Port Arthur’s deep water
anchorage, with eight vessels between October and March.
As a result of the downturn in visitor numbers, PAHSMA revised its
2011-12 budget and implemented various saving strategies. These impacted
on both staff and some conservation and infrastructure programs which
have been reduced or deferred. Notwithstanding these challenges, an
impressive range of tourism and conservation activities have been
accomplished.
Early in 2012, a range of new tourism experiences were launched,
including Her Story at the Cascades Female Factory, group guided tours
of the Coal Mines, Paranormal Investigation Experience and private
dining experiences at the Visiting Magistrates House.
Much has been achieved at the Cascades Female Factory, with the Site
now open seven days a week, a number of the volunteers transitioning
into PAHSMA employees, further recruitment of more volunteers, some
substantial work completed in Yard 4 and a greater alignment to the way
PAHSMA operates from a conservation, tourism and administration
perspective.
The Authority was successful in sourcing additional grant funding
from the Commonwealth Government for a major interpretative project in
Yard 1, together with completing Yard 4, the outcome of which will
provide a much greater understanding for visitors of how the Site worked
during the convict period.
At Port Arthur, the Penitentiary has become a key focus with a major
conservation project being developed. PAHSMA was very grateful to
receive additional funding from the Tasmanian Government during the
financial year to assist with this undertaking. The task of sourcing
further funds over the next few years for the work required on arguably
Australia’s most significant iconic heritage building will be a major
challenge for the organisation.
A Conservation Management Plan for the World War 1 Memorial Avenue
was completed with significant input from various stakeholders, and a
walkway between the trees erected providing added protection and better
access for visitors to this significant area of the Site.
PAHSMA’s Community Advisory Committee continued to make a sound
contribution to the Site with this group taking a leading role with both
the Annual Boxing Day wood chopping event and the Port Arthur Memories
Revisited weekend held in October 2012.
PAHSMA Chairman, Dr Barry Jones, praised the PAHSMA Board and staff
for its results in what has been undeniably a difficult year.
“Despite the problems, the conservation work and tourism activities
undertaken by the Authority continue to ensure all the organisation’s
obligations have been met in exemplary fashion,” said Dr Jones.
“The Sites continue to be protected and promoted to visitors in
keeping with international best-practice, to meet its obligations in
running three World Heritage properties, Port Arthur itself, the Coal
Mines at Saltwater River, and the Cascades Female Factory Historic
Site.”
“Port Arthur’s awards for Best Major Attraction and Best Heritage
Tourism, as well as Best New Tourism Development, are testament to the
focus and hard work of the entire team.”
PAHSMA’s annual report has been tabled in Parliament.
It is available for download at www.portarthur.org.au/annualreports