Tasmanian caravan registrations have grown by 46 per cent in the past five years, as more people are hitting the road in their caravans and campervans than ever before.
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Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said the huge rise in caravan registrations from 12,738 in July 2018 to 18,587 in July 2023 demonstrated the demand for the new Spirit of Tasmania ships.
"The new Spirits coming into service between Devonport and the new Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Geelong next year will have a big increase in passenger capacity, up from 1400 to 1800, and the number of cabins from 222 to 301," Mr Ferguson said.
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"However, the most significant difference is the 59.8 per cent increase in vehicle lanes for passenger and freight vehicles, with over 4 kilometres of vehicle lanes available on the new ships.
"Every metre of the 4098 metres in vehicle lanes will be a suitable height to fit caravans and campervans."
Mr Ferguson said the Spirit's increased capacity would enable Tasmanians to travel today and into the future.
"Tasmanians can be confident that the new Spirits will not only cater for the increase in caravans and motor homes today but will have the space to accommodate decades of increased demand ahead of us," he said.
"Tasmanians will be able to travel abroad to enjoy the Australian mainland, and for tourists to visit Tasmania and have an extended holiday here.
"This is great news for the so-called grey nomads, who are packed and ready to roll in record numbers."
Mr Ferguson said the bumper growth demonstrated the state's growing economy.
"We're averaging about 10 per cent growth of caravans per year, which is unheard of," he said.
"It's a sign of a strong economy here in Tasmania and a consequence of having strong employment outcomes.
"Because of that, people and families are capable of making those investments. So we're very excited about that."
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Stephanie Dalton
The Examiner journalist and Launceston local covering health and court reporting in Northern Tasmania. Do you have a story? Contact me at Stephanie.Dalton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
The Examiner journalist and Launceston local covering health and court reporting in Northern Tasmania. Do you have a story? Contact me at Stephanie.Dalton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
