Derby Tasmania's Economic Transition

Questions and Answers

What percentage of Tasmania's total land area is designated as 'Permanent Timber Production Zone land'?

12%

How many cubic metres of sawlogs is Sustainable Timber Tasmania required to extract annually?

137,000 cubic metres

What is the estimated worth of Australia's mountain bike market according to the study commissioned by AusCycling?

A$600 million a year

According to the 2016 census, how many people were employed in Tasmania's tourism industry compared to the logging industry?

21,000 in tourism and 2,500 in logging Signup and view all the answers

What has local conservation group Blue Derby Wild organized in response to logging plans?

Protests involving cyclists, hikers, and activists Signup and view all the answers

What led to a significant decline in Derby's population and employment levels by 2016?

The closure of the tin mine resulted in a decline in Derby's population and a high unemployment rate of 20%. Signup and view all the answers

How has mountain biking contributed to Derby's economy since its establishment?

Mountain biking has attracted around 30,000 visitors annually, generating an estimated $30 million in economic return from an initial $3.1 million investment. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of the Blue Derby Trail Network in Derby's transition from mining.

The Blue Derby Trail Network provides a sustainable outdoor activity option that has revitalized Derby by attracting tourism and boosting the local economy. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges does the Blue Derby Trail Network face despite its successes?

The trail network is threatened by logging activities in Tasmania's public forests, which may undermine the sustainability of this tourism initiative. Signup and view all the answers

Who oversees the logging of Tasmania's public forests, and what is its previous name?

Logging of Tasmania's public forests is overseen by Sustainable Timber Tasmania, which was previously known as Forestry Tasmania. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Economic Transition of Derby

Derby’s economy was historically driven by tin mining, located 100 km from Launceston, Tasmania.
Population peaked over 3,000; plummeted to 178 by 2016, accompanied by a 20% unemployment rate.
Transition to sustainable tourism, specifically mountain biking, helped revive the economy.

Blue Derby Trail Network

Initiated in 2015 with federal funding, the trail network features 125 km of mountain-bike trails through old-growth rainforest.
Trails vary in difficulty, from “Crusty Rusty” (easy) to “23 Stitches” (extremely difficult).
Attracted 30,000 annual visitors by 2017, generating 30millionrevenuefroma30 million revenue from a 30millionrevenuefroma3.1 million investment.

Logging vs. Mountain Biking Conflict

Logging in Tasmania managed by Sustainable Timber Tasmania, overseeing 816,000 hectares of Permanent Timber Production Zone land.
Requires annual extraction of 137,000 cubic metres of sawlogs; logging plans updated every three years.
Upcoming clear-felling plans threaten the Blue Derby Trail Network, inciting protests from conservationists.

Impact of Mountain Bike Tourism

Over 180 Tasmanian businesses called for an end to logging in native forests, recognizing the importance of mountain biking for tourism.
Mountain bike tourists are typically affluent, spending an average of US130toUS130 to US130toUS230 daily for a 12-night stay.
Australia’s mountain bike market valued at A$600 million annually; supports over 6,000 jobs.
Ecotourism generally more economically viable than logging, example: ecotourism in Queensland valued up to ten times more than logging.

Local Employment Comparison

Tasmania’s tourism industry employs 21,000 individuals, in contrast to just 2,500 in logging (2016 census data).

Broader Implications for Communities

Derby serves as a model for sustainable tourism; other areas like Harcourt, York, and Mogo are exploring similar approaches.
The attractiveness of mountain biking destinations relies on quality trails, natural scenery, and community support.
Clear long-term protections are essential for sustainable tourism; both mining and logging are unsustainable in the long run.

Description

Explore the transformation of Derby, Tasmania, from a tin mining town to a thriving mountain biking community. This quiz examines the impacts of sustainable resources in revitalizing economies and preventing ghost towns. Discover how Derby has found hope and resilience through this unique shift.