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"The Trail of
the Tin Dragon"
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INTRODUCTION
Chinese tin miners were amongst the early pioneers of Tasmania's north
east and constitute the largest group of non-European migrants to
early Tasmania. They arrived in the late 1870s and at their peak numbered
around 1,000. The history of these people is closely tied to the fortunes
of the state's tin mining industry. Their astute trading and investment
skills played an important part in the regions development and Tasmania's
present character. The stories of this time and the people also form
part of our nation's cultural heritage. |
This, is the
Trail of the Tin Dragon.
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The remaining evidence
and personal associations of many residents of the north-east community,
with this time, are fast disappearing. The development of the Trail
of the Tin Dragon Master Plan is guided by the wealth of local knowledge,
community passion for place and an emphasis on Tasmania's core appeals
of cultural heritage, nature and food and wine.
The Master Plan will
outline the staged development of the trail which will provide an
experience not only to engage visitors in the area but further develop
community identity, connections and pride.
The Master Plan will
support the State Government's Touring Route Strategy and the Tasmanian
Visitor Experience. From a national perspective it will interpret
and preserve a significant part of our Chinese cultural heritage
and provide a conduit for a tangible modern day link with China.
The trail involves the
municipalities of Dorset, Break O'Day and the city of Launceston.
It will bring benefits to an area of the State where present tourism
product and infrastructure development is in its infancy.
The project also has
over fifty stakeholder support organisations including the University
of Tasmania and Forestry Tasmania. The completion of the trail will
see the sites, stories, photographs and artefacts of the people
and the time supported by infrastructure, services and highly developed
interpretation brought together to create a heightened sense of
place and an unforgettable visitor experience.
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PROJECT
DEFINITION
The Trail of the Tin Dragon is a high profile tourism project designed
to build on the values of the North Eastern Touring Route and to increase
visitor numbers and length of stay in North East Tasmanian. The project
has the potential to generate not just economic benefits through an
increased tourism spend, but social benefits of community identity
building and pride and environmental benefits through the conservation
and preservation of significant national cultural heritage sites.
There are also specific research, interpretation and infrastructure
gains. |
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RESEARCH
· The stories of this time and its people will be recorded.
The local residents are the keepers of these stories. It is important
that this oral history be captured now before it is lost forever.
· The ongoing development of the trail will support further
archaeological digs, field and academic research.
· The mining, water infrastructure, artefacts and heritage
items remaining throughout the region will be documented, conserved
and key themes integrated into a highly skilled and engaging interpretation
plan
· Connections with the relatives of Chinese in the north-east
will be established and nurtured. This process is already underway
through a project initiated by the University of Tasmania. |
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INTERPRETATION
· The stories told on the trail will make sense of the place,
the time and the people, explaining the integral link between tin
mining and the activities of the Chinese workers.
· The lifestyle, mining and trading activities and traditions
of the Chinese and the impact they had on the area and the community
will be told.
· The trail will compliment the region's community and aesthetic
character, developing a deeper understanding and connection to what
was and therefore what is.
· The story will be ongoing, providing a focus and celebration
for today's inter-government, commercial and community relationships
and links with modern day China. |
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INFRASTRUCTURE
· The trail will be made up of a number of physical centers
in communities throughout the north-east. These have the potential
to act as both a visitor and community focus for the area.
· Both directional and interpretative signage will be developed.
These will connect to the state touring route system and other trails
in the area
· As visitor numbers grow there will be a need for further
infrastructure and services to be developed. In this case, the trail
will act as a catalyst for ongoing economic and social development. |
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SUPPORT
The project has received enthusiastic support from the community,
the key stakeholders and the municipalities who share the trail.
Along with this enthusiasm a financial and management contribution
by the Dorset Community Economic Development Group Inc has led to
the development of an initial 'Concept Plan' and the Master Plan.
The development of the
Trail of the Tin Dragon has the potential to provide a real 'point
of difference' for the north-east of Tasmania. It will combine community
enthusiasm and passion for place, infrastructure, services and interpretation
to create not just a visitor attraction but a visitor experience.
It will celebrate and
invigorate Australia's relationship with China, particularly in
the regions of origin of the Chinese migrants and their remaining
descendants. This has the potential to lead to both cultural and
economic exchange.
It will provide a catalyst
for other supporting regional tourism developments both large and
small. The project's complimentary aspects are particularly strong
to those existing and planned scenic and outdoor activities.
Its benefits go far beyond
those of increased tourism activity. The preservation and interpretation
of our built and natural heritage and the community identity building
outcomes are significant to our region, our state and our nation.
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The
Chinese Trail is a North Eastern Tasmanian project reflecting the
heritage and modern day contribution and linkage of the Chinese
peoples. The project has broad community support including the Municipalities
of Launceston City, Dorset and Break O'Day and Forestry Tasmania.
The Project is sponsored by Dorset EDG.
Address: Dorset Council P.O. Box 21 Scottsdale 7260
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