The Friends of Willow Court took part in the Legislative Council Inquiry into Built Heritage Tourism in Tasmania in 2015.
“because we want the tourism potential of Willow Court realized”
and believed “Our concern is that while the ownership and management of this nationally significant heritage site is the responsibility of a small regional council, the tourism potential of the site and economic benefits to the Derwent Valley economy will not be realized”.
At the time they believed that, “Willow Court in its current state is a prime example of neglected recognition and interpretation”.
At the end of their submission they made a clear statement and called on the State Government to act.
“To ensure that the full tourism potential of Willow Court is realized there must be a clear State Government leadership role and expectation of how sites are to be protected and integrated into a Heritage Tourism Strategy.”
While there has been some State Government money put into the Agrarian Eatery there has been little to no investment from Local, State and Federal Governments into the decaying buildings beyond that and the heritage buildings have appeared to have slipped of the agenda. The current plans of the owner, the Derwent Valley Council, have stated their total goals for the current year
“Council is aware of the need to continue the works started at Willow Court and is looking into various ways of funding this.”
The full report can be found on our documents tab or click HERE
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