Launceston has basked in the glow of a seemingly endless summer for
several months but temperatures were not the only high numbers recorded
in the city.
Late last year, staff from the Launceston City Council installed infrared people counters at the main entrance to the iconic Cataract Gorge and data collected shows that 112,820 people walked through the two main gates in January and February.
Launceston City Council General Manager Robert Dobrzynski explained that the count was not definitive, but the margin for error lay on the conservative side.
“There are several different entrances to the Cataract Gorge, but we have only installed trackers on the two main gates,” Mr Dobrzynski said.
“From that we are given a number, which we divide by two to account for people leaving the site again.
“We estimate that about 80 per cent of people who visit the Cataract Gorge do so by the main gates, so the total number could actually be in the region of 135,000.
“The Launceston City Council is currently monitoring the usage of a range of different Council owned and operated assets around the municipality to enable us to better plan for the future.
“The Cataract Gorge, being only five minutes from the city, is often highlighted by tourists and new residents as the jewel in the city’s crown and one of the assets that gives Launceston residents such a fantastic work-life balance.”
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said it was pleasing to see such high attendance figures.
“Over approximately eight weeks, that is 14,102 people each week or 2014 people each day
“With the magnificent scenery, the popular First Basin swimming pool, the chairlift, the lawns and restaurant, the Cataract Gorge is a wonderful attraction and a great place for people to exercise and relax. “This iconic attraction is free and family friendly; where people from across Australia and the rest of the world are welcome.”
