Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden uses new innovative technology to attract a wider audience

A Regional Tourism Projects Program grant will see the resident platypus at the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden in Tasmania’s North West go global with the setting up of a live stream.

Business North West is setting up four cameras above and below the water, purchasing the equipment and infrastructure with the help of the $19,000 grant.

Tasmanian Minister for Environment and Parks, Roger Jaensch said it’s projects like this that will help rebuild regional tourism in Tasmania noting “this project will promote Tasmania’s unique fauna and our beautiful North West region to people all over the world.

“I’d like to congratulate Ian Jones at Business North West, and Tom Wootton at West by North West, and the EVRG team on their innovation and motivation to find new opportunities to drive tourism in regional Tasmania.

“This project takes an existing tourism attraction, and uses new technology to present it to a wider audience in an innovative way.

“The opportunities that this will create are endless.”

West By North West Chief Executive, Tom Wootton said visitor appeal for Tasmania’s West and North West regions has been steadily growing and advised “when COVID hit, the Tasmanian Government removed the need for matched funding under this grant program, which meant local community and industry groups could access small grants to enhance their destinations.

“This support has been extremely well received across the State, and our organisation has worked with a number of groups across this region in securing funds.

“It appears at this stage that visitor interest promises to continue to increase post-COVID, with Tasmanians and interstate tourists seeking authentic experiences outside of city centres.

“Projects like this will fan the flames of that appeal, beaming visuals of our little monotreme friends across the globe!”

The live-stream of the platypus residents at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is currently being set up and will go live through the Visit Burnie YouTube Channel in early 2021.

Image courtesy of emuvalleyrhodo.com/