Tasmania will become home to the world’s largest chocolate fountain if the Liberals return to government at the next state election.
The island state will go to the polls on March 23 after the Liberal minority government failed to resolve a standoff with two independent independents.
Prime Minister Jeremy Rockliff says that if re-elected his government will work with local tourism industry leader Simon Currant to deliver “the best chocolate experience in the world”.
The chocolate fountain will be located next to the Cadbury factory, just north of Hobart, overlooking the River Derwent, and will offer chocoholics a sweet taste of the Apple Isle.
There will also be a premium chocolate studio, a chocolate laboratory with a home-made chocolate bar, a chocolate emporium, a café and a children’s playground.
Hailed by Liberals as “the biggest thing to happen to tourism since MONA,” Rockliff said tourism had been one of the state’s most transformative sectors in the last decade.
‘This will rewrite the ‘must see’ list for every visitor coming to Tasmania; “hug a Tassie devil, drink wine at Wineglass, wander around Salamanca, climb Cradle and top it all off with the sweetest experience of all at the Chocolate Experience at Cadbury,” she said on Sunday.
Tasmania could become home to the world’s largest chocolate fountain if the Liberals are re-elected (pictured, artwork from the proposed Chocolate Experience)
Rockliff previously said the new attraction will be an opportunity for the state to grow its dairy industry as “Tasmanian dairy farmers produce the best milk in the world”.
“The new Chocolate Experience will offer a new range of ultra-premium chocolate, which means it will also need more ultra-premium Tasmanian milk,” he said.
“This is great news for Tasmanian dairy farmers, especially in the dairy heartland of our state in the northwest.”
Currant predicted the resort would become a tourism icon.
“My vision for many years has been to have our own chocolate experience here, not just a chocolate shop, an experience that will be remembered forever,” he said Sunday.
“It grew out of an initial plan to revive what was once here and… blow people’s minds.”
Most of the $100 million in funding will come from investment groups, Currant said, adding that support from the Liberal government would give investors confidence.
The project also has the support of factory owner Mondelez International, who Currant says has given permission for the Cadbury name to be used.
“Cadbury is already a loved and valued contributor to Tasmania’s economy,” he said.
‘The Chocolate Experience at Cadbury will elevate it further and add a new element of experience, ensuring its sustainability and vitality into the future.
“This is a uniquely Tasmanian story that encompasses provenance, innovation and artisanal chocolate production, with the entire State sharing in the benefits.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff (pictured) said the attraction would boost Tasmania’s tourism and dairy industries.
A returning Liberal government will set aside up to $12 million for the project and spend $2 million over 18 months on planning, designs, approvals and getting it ready.
Some $2 million will be spent over 18 months on initial works at the site, including, but not limited to, public walkways, cycling infrastructure and headworks.
Subject to agreed milestones, $8 million would then be made available for the venue.
The project could create 300 construction jobs, 200 jobs upon completion and generate a $120 million boost in annual economic activity.
The AAP has contacted Labor and the Greens for comment.