Roll up, roll up and have a ball

THERE'S a saying in petanque: it takes minutes to learn and a lifetime to master.

But before you take it too seriously, a new petanque club is looking for people to come along to its Sandy Bay headquarters and enjoy its social side.

That means a quiet brew or a cheeky sauvignon blanc while a barbecue sizzles on the sidelines.

State coach Terry Dando wants to get as many people as he can out on the piste -- the gravel surface for the game that started in a French village in 1907.

A glass of wine in hand and a ball in the other is how they do it in thousands of villages around France.

And Dando and his clubmates at the Bayside Boules Petanque Club want Hobartians to taste this catchy sport.

"It's a lot of fun because it's easy to learn and anyone can play," Dando said.

"Strength is not a factor in petanque, so a large cross-section of people play it in 85 countries around the world."

Petanque is huge in France and Spain, while it has also taken hold in England, the USA and Canada.

The Bayside club will hold its grand opening at 1.30pm today at Long Point Rd, Sandy Bay -- right behind Prossers Restaurant. Among the guests will be Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor and proud Frenchman Bertrand Cadart.

Dando, a 66-year-old retired teacher, has been playing for 10 years. As well as being state coach, he has represented Australia on the international stage.

"You can learn to play it in three or four minutes," he said. "In France they start playing it at the age of five or six."

To play petanque, each player starts with three metal balls.

Player one throws out the kitty and then puts his first ball as close to it as possible. Player two has three attempts to put one of his balls closer to the kitty.

If he fails, player one wins. If he succeeds, his opponent must use his remaining balls to do better. And so on.

At Sandy Bay, they hold social games from 4pm on Friday and Saturday. "We have a barbecue and a quiet tipple and play until dark," Dando said.

"If you just want to play socially, that's great, and if you want to become good at it you can play for the state and for Australia as well."

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Forest deal law closer

After a marathon sitting and an unusual recall of State Parliament this morning, the forestry legislation passed through the Lower House about 11am today.

TASMANIA'S historic legislation underpinning the forest peace deal has passed its first hurdle.

After a marathon sitting and an unusual recall of Parliament yesterday morning the forestry legislation passed through the Lower House about 11am.

The House of Assembly had been locked in debate from about 3pm on Thursday to 4am yesterday.

The legislation will now move to the Upper House for scrutiny in a special sitting next month.

Labor and the Greens who voted for the legislation yesterday repeated their calls that the deal would bring historic conservation outcomes at the same time as delivering security for the state's timber industry.

The Opposition continued its calls for the Labor-Green Government to call an election for the people of Tasmania to decide whether they wish to accept the agreement.

Deputy Premier Bryan Green said yesterday that additional funding was still being discussed but the Commonwealth and the state were yet to determine a figure.

About $100 million is left from the $276 million forest package but additional funds are expected to be on the table to maintain additional reserves and help forest workers get out of the industry.

"There has been high-level discussion about funding to ensure the agreement goes forward," Mr Green said. "When Tony Burke was last here and we had our meetings he said ... if the signatories come to an agreement then the Commonwealth will do its best to back it in. I have said to the signatories that we feel the same way."

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke will meet signatories in Canberra on Wednesday to discuss funding.

Amid a flurry of criticism of the agreement, Mr Green said he understood the deal would continue to spark debate. "I know that the deal will never satisfy everyone, politics is like that," he said.

"There will no doubt be people complaining, whinging, carping from the sidelines but in the end I think the great majority of Tasmanians want this issue fixed."

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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Tweed set ready to go

Cycling enthusiast Charmaine Stanton is excited about the spring Tweed Ride which will finish at St. David's Park on Sunday. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

HOBART cycling enthusiasts are dusting off their tweed jackets and getting ready to tip their hats to yesteryear at Sunday's spring Tweed Ride.

The leisurely one-hour ride around the Hobart CBD will begin at Mawson Place at 11am and finish in St David's Park for a barbecue, with all proceeds going to the Movember charity.

Tweed Rides have been held in major cities around the world, with the aim of recapturing the simple joy of cycling without the need for modern trappings.

Keen cyclist Charmaine Stanton will be donning her vintage tweed pinafore for a second time after taking part in the Tweed Ride last year.

"It was heaps of fun and really nice to ride around town," she said.

Co-ordinator Matt Turner, from Hobart business Bike Ride, said they were anticipating a turnout of between 80 to 90 tweed-clad riders.

"It's all about having fun and remembering you don't need a fancy bike," he said.

Register at here.

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Mum fights over forests

A PRO-FORESTRY campaigner gatecrashed a news conference by former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown yesterday, accusing him of putting trees before families, jobs and economic wellbeing.

As signatories of the long-awaited forests peace agreement talked up the deal, the story of Claremont mum Kelly Wilton highlighted the problems that continue to plague the industry.

Mrs Wilton, whose family has been hit by unemployment within the industry, took the opportunity to tell Dr Brown what she thought of the Greens and anti-forestry activists.

"What's more important, my family, my family's future or a couple of trees?" she said.

"My tactic is to fight and fight for my family."

As the creator of the Facebook page called Support Tassie's Timber Industry Like They've Supported Tassie for Years, the mother of two said environmentalists had cost her everything.

"I have gone through a marriage separation earlier in the year, my ex-husband is a logger," she said.

"I have lost $80,000 in assets in my home on a block of land in a rural area because house prices have just plummeted

"Nobody wants to live where there is no work. My son has lost an apprenticeship that was reliant on maintenance from the logging industry."

The former Bushy Park resident said she had never worked in the forest industry.

"But because of the flow-on effect I have lost the job that I had in a metropolitan area because the building industry is suffering," she said.

"I've got to a point where we sit back and do nothing now and we allow these Greens and enviro-Nazis to walk over us again and again.

We have tried that for the last 30 years and this is where it has got us.

"It is time to take a stand and time to come out fighting."

But Huon Valley Environment Centre spokeswoman Jenny Webber yesterday vowed to continue fighting for the forests.

"We will continue to stand up for secure protection of Tasmania's unique forests and to address the forest conservation issues that have not been resolved by the agreement."

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Tears and cheers for Tobias

WITH three cheers and a few tears, Tasmanian yachtsman Tobias Fahey set off on his lone journey around the world yesterday.

The 25-year-old Tasmanian was aiming to be back within 180 days, having sailed around the world in an Australian record time for a non-stop, unassisted voyage.

His sister Sara, a Gold Coast resident, had another deadline for him -- her wedding day at Byron Bay on May 4.

"He has to be back in time," she said.

After a flurry of last-minute preparations, Fahey jumped aboard his yacht Sea Quest in the middle of the day and set off down the River Derwent, first motoring and then sailing, with two mates aboard and surrounded by a cluster of boats full of well-wishers.

As he approached the official starting line off the Iron Pot lighthouse about 2.30pm, his companions Yarran Crichton and Stu Pitt dived off the yacht and were picked up by another boat.

Their last impressions of Fahey were of a sailor very keen to get going.

He said he was aiming to reach New Zealand by Monday to escape the worst of a brewing storm.

About 10 minutes after passing the Iron Pot, supporters turned back for Hobart and saw Fahey disappear into Storm Bay and beyond.

His last audible words were: "I'm speechless."

Speaking on behalf of his tight-knit family yesterday, Sara Fahey said they were confident her brother had what it took to succeed.

"He knows the boat inside out and he's got the skills and knowledge to help him through," she said.

They would be able to keep in touch via satellite phone, emails and texts but it would still be very tough.

Earlier in the day, nearly 100 friends and supporters, including a group of schoolchildren, crowded the Sandy Bay marina to see him off.

Among them was Launceston sailor Ken Gourlay, present holder of the Australian record for a solo circumnavigation and one of Fahey's mentors.

"I wish him well," Gourlay said.

"I really do hope that he gets the record, otherwise it might go to the mainland."

It was an emotional farewell at times.

Fahey said he only got about two hours of sleep the night before with all the things he had to do, then he "had a good cry" in the morning at the enormity of what he was about to attempt.

"I am putting my life on the line -- there is the possibility of not seeing people again," he said.

He regained his usual cheerful composure soon enough and was a picture of determination yesterday afternoon.

For more information on Tobias Fahey, the Sea Quest and the voyage, visit his website, http://tobiasfahey.com.au/

Watch this website for video and blog updates from the voyage.

philip.heyward@news.com.au

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Pontville Mark II

The Pontville Immigration Detention Centre, on the outskirts of Brighton, is reopening, Premier Lara Giddings announced today.

FEDERAL Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has listened to the pleas of Tasmanians and reopened the Pontville detention centre, north of Hobart.

Work on reactivating the centre -- to house single, male asylum seekers early in the new year -- will begin immediately.

The news was roundly applauded by local residents as well as political and business leaders yesterday.

Premier Lara Giddings said the reopening of the centre was a positive move for the rights of asylum seekers and for jobs and the local economy.

Despite previously saying the centre would not be reopened, Mr Bowen revealed the change of heart yesterday as he outlined a new policy whereby those who arrived after August 13 will be transferred around the country.

He said because of the number of people who had arrived by boat since August 13, it would not be possible to transfer them all to Nauru or Manus Island soon.

"Some of these people will be processed in the Australian community," Mr Bowen said.

The move came as the Government toughened its policies, declaring that all asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat will be denied permanent protection visas for as long as five years even if they are found to be genuine refugees and regardless of whether their claims are processed in Australia, Nauru or Manus.

The Australian Greens, refugee advocates and human rights groups say the Government has effectively resurrected the Howard government's much-maligned Temporary Protection Visas.

Opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison said the announcements were "an admission of failure" by the Government.

Ms Giddings said the arrival of asylum seekers was well received by the community when the centre first opened.

"Ideally we would not want to see asylum seekers kept behind barbed wire, but it is a credit to staff, including many locals, that this centre developed a strong reputation for humanitarian treatment after only a short period of time," she said.

"The facility brought significant economic and social benefits to the state when it opened late last year, creating the equivalent of about 230 full-time jobs. It also provided flow-on benefits for local businesses in the Brighton area."

Ms Giddings acknowledged the efforts of Brighton Mayor Tony Foster in lobbying to have the centre reopened, and the volunteers at the Tasmanian Asylum Seeker Support Network who had helped make asylum seekers feel welcome.

Federal Community Services Minister Julie Collins said Labor MPs and senators had lobbied for the reopening.

Mr Bowen said he had been heavily lobbied by Ms Giddings and Cr Foster to reactivate the centre.

"It makes sense to recommission the Pontville centre at this time," he said.

Tasmanian Liberal senator Eric Abetz, who has previously raised concerns about the cost of running the centre, was ill yesterday and unavailable for comment.

Figures obtained by Mr Abetz show the Federal Government spent $45 million on housing asylum seekers at Pontville for just six months.

Originally budgeted at $15 million and opened four months behind schedule, the centre was closed in March this year.

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War of words over mining rally

THE fallout from Saturday's heated pro-mining rally continued today with the State Opposition claiming Premier Lara Giddings had been rattled by the hostile reception she received in Burnie.

Ms Giddings fired back saying Opposition Leader Will Hodgman's failure to attend the rally had been noted.

Mr Hodgman was at the Huon Show.

Mr Hodgman had asked to speak at the Australian Workers Union-organised rally but his offer had been refused, his office said today.

Braddon Liberal MHA Adam Brooks attended the rally but was not given a spot on the podium.

Before the rally, Mr Brooks said Lara Giddings was too weak to stand up to Greens colleagues and the public was now venting its frustration.

In Parliament today, Speaker Michael Polley ejected Mr Brooks from the Chamber for 24 hours during heated debate about mining in the Tarkine.

Ms Giddings said she was proud to attend the rally to demonstrate the government's commitment to the mining industry.

"We have sent a clear message to the Commonwealth that we do not support blanket National Heritage listing of the Tarkine," Ms Giddings said.

Read more in tomorrow's Mercury.

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Baby seat safety alert

UP to 1200 Tasmanians are believed to be affected by a recall of faulty baby seats and capsules announced today by Australia's consumer watchdog.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission estimates more than 60,000 seats and capsules with faulty anchor kits and brackets have been sold nationally since April.

Tests have shown the parts used to secure baby seats could fail during a car crash, increasing the chance of a child being injured.

Four major brands -- IGC Dorel, Chicco, Tomy and Hemco -- have recalled the brackets and anchor kits. Most of the affected car seats and capsules were imported by Hemco Industries.

The kits have batch numbers 022 or 023 stamped on the product. All other batch numbers are not included in the recall.

RACT communications manager Vince Taskunas said the state's peak motoring body was contacting customers whose seats had been installed by RACT staff.

"The only brand RACT sells and recommends is Britax Safe n Sound, and Steel Craft by Britax," Mr Taskunas said.

The faulty parts are used in older vehicles, station wagons, four-wheel drives, hatchbacks and some newer cars.

The ACCC has urged consumers to check their vehicles, regardless of the brand of car seat or capsule that they use.

Anyone with the specified anchor kit or bracket who does not know where it was bought from should contact Hemco Industries on 1300 065 057 or email servicehemco.com.au to arrange a replacement.

More information about the recall, including how to tell if you have one of the affected anchor kits or brackets, is available on the Recalls Australia website.

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Arrest over Hobart assaults

TASMANIAN detectives have arrested a man in Melbourne over alleged assaults on two men on Hobart's waterfront in early September.

Detective Sergeant Phil Curtis said the man, formerly of Launceston, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court today and was granted bail to appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court on December 17.

"Hobart CIB wish to thank the members of the public who provided information in relation to the matter after images were released of two men of interest in the investigation," Det Sgt Curtis said in a statement.

University student Saul Lopa, 22, was allegedly punched and kicked repeatedly in the head by two young men who approached him and his two friends as they walked down Murray St towards the Salamanca taxi rank about 5.30am on Sunday, September 2.

He suffered two fractured eye orbits, a broken nose and a suspected cheek fracture.

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Setting sail on biggest marina

The Bellerive Yacht Club is set to undergo a massive expansion to include the biggest marina in Tasmania. Pictures: KIM EISZELE

A $6.5 MILLION redevelopment of the Bellerive Yacht Club will include the biggest marina in Tasmania and breathe new life into sailing facilities on the River Derwent.

The Eastern Shore club has unveiled plans to increase its marina from 175 to 270 berths, to help satisfy huge demand for mooring places. Bellerive Yacht Club general manager Peter Benson, right, said he "strongly believed" the project would be well received by the local community.

Mr Benson said it would tie in with Clarence City Council plans for developing the bay.

The proposal includes a 5m-wide public jetty with ferry wharf and day mooring facilities.

Club redevelopment committee chairman Richard Gilbert said the plans were yet to be submitted to local planning authorities. He said the club wanted to make sure the appropriate environmental assessments and traffic studies were in place before making a development application.

"A lot of the existing marina is quite old and dilapidated and in an unfit state for use, or approaching that very quickly," Mr Gilbert said.

"[The proposal is] certainly the biggest capital expenditure project the Bellerive Yacht Club has ever undertaken. We've been preparing ourselves financially in recent years to put us in a good position to borrow the money we need for this."

It is understood Federal Hotels and the Roche family's Navigators will be partners in the redevelopment.

Mr Gilbert said the club would also apply for funding from Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) and the State Government to cover the cost of public facilities linked to the project.

He said recreational boating was becoming increasingly popular in Tasmania and there were already more than 45 boats on a waiting list for berths at the club.

It is hoped the construction work can begin in 2014.

The plan includes the construction of a new sea wall and would require the removal of about 30 moorings currently in Kangaroo Bay. However, Mr Gilbert was confident the club could successfully negotiate with current mooring holders to relocate them into the marina.

He said it was also hoped that a proposed public ferry service, to be operated by Navigators, could help alleviate traffic congestion on game days at nearby Blundstone Arena.

Figures from MAST show there are almost 30,000 boats registered in Tasmania -- a 125 per cent increase on the number registered in 1998.

Tasmania has the fastest-growing rate of boat registrations in the country, with more than 56,600 people holding boat licences.

MAST recreational boating manager Peter Hopkins welcomed news of the project.

He said the creation of a sea wall in the bay could potentially result in a "re-gridding" of moorings, which may create new moorings.

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Tarkine row at boiling point

Circular Head deputy Mayor John Oldaker speaks at the Our Tarkine Rally at Burnie. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

TEMPERS in the Tarkine are set to reach boiling point this summer if yesterday's pro-mining rally is anything to go by.

The anger was palpable as 3500 people in Burnie chanted and screamed for Canberra to let new mineral projects go ahead in Tasmania's Tarkine.

Premier Lara Giddings and Resources Minister Bryan Green struggled to be heard as the crowd booed their arrival on the podium at the Australian Workers Union-organised event. Ms Giddings was hit with a barrage of verbal abuse by an angry placard-bearer as she approached the stage.

The retired miner was forcibly held back as he yelled at the pair.

A lone conservationist who hid his face with a mask was told to leave the rally by police as the mood turned ugly.

The protester said he was not representing any group but had come to the rally in the name of free speech.

A loud cheer erupted as the protester left.

Circular Head Deputy Mayor John Oldaker dared conservationists, who have threatened to mount a campaign to rival the bitter Franklin protest, to "bring it on".

"Let them come. But let them be warned we are bloody angry," Cr Oldaker said.

"Why can't Tasmania share in the national mining boom.

"We need (federal) Environment Minister Tony Burke to pay attention to what is being said today."

AWU national secretary Paul Howes told the crowd that Tasmanians, and Tasmanians alone, should have the right to determine their own future.

"This isn't a state of rednecks but decent hard-working Australians who want a fair go," he said to applause.

He said the local community did not want a blanket World Heritage listing imposed over 450,000ha of land in one of the most heavily mineralised parts of Australia.

"There must be protection of high-value conservation areas but there must also be opportunities for much-needed jobs and investment.

"The existing mines in the area must be allowed to continue operating and new projects must be given a fair chance to get up and running."

Mr Howes said the proposed Venture Minerals mine near Tullah would generate about half-a-billion dollars in revenue, with much of this pumped in to the local economy.

A delegation will travel to Canberra on November 28 to deliver a petition to Mr Burke, who is yet to make a decision on whether the Tarkine will receive a national heritage listing which would complicate plans for any new mines in the region.

Mr Burke also has on his desk the final approval for Shree Minerals' proposed mine at Nelson Bay River near Temma, in the Tarkine.

West Coast Mayor Darryl Gerrity labelled the attitude of environmental groups such as the Tarkine National Coalition, which is driving the heritage-listing campaign, as selfish and Neanderthal.

Burnie Mayor Steve Kons said the rally represented a turning point in negotiations in Tasmania. "We no longer want to negotiate with fringe groups," he said.

"We are digging in our heels and telling them they can no longer dictate what happens."

Speaking in Launceston after the rally, Tasmanian Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson disputed that the listing would have an impact on existing mines or mining communities.

"The message for Minister Burke today from Paul Howes was that Labor as a party should be putting short-term corporate profits and short-term jobs ahead of both the environment and long-term prosperity for Tasmanian communities," he said.

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Tourism ripe for funds

TripAdvisor has listed Hobart in its top 10 "destinations on the rise".

LOCAL tourism officials say now is the time for the State Government to spend up big on marketing the state to travellers following some heavy duty accolades.

Internet travel mega-site TripAdvisor has listed Hobart in its top 10 "destinations on the rise" hot on the heels of similar praise from travel guide Lonely Planet.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the Government needed to be convinced that dipping into a tough budget to pay for marketing would pay for itself and more.

"Research conducted last year showed spending as little as $4 million on marketing could result in up to $60 million coming back to the state through increased tourism," Mr Martin said.

"The attention we are now receiving is being driven by MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). It is now up to the rest of the tourism industry and the State Government to turn that attention into a reality of more interstate and international tourists.

"We have the product and the air and sea access. We now need to get the message out."

Mr Martin said private investors such as MONA's David Walsh would continue to spend if the Government did its bit.

"The renaissance which MONA has started has provided incredible exposure and now opportunities but that opportunity cannot be missed because of budget constraints."

TripAdvisor said destinations which made the cut had recorded the biggest increase in positive traveller feedback and interest over the past year.

Hobart shared the spotlight with Argentinian beach resort Mar del Platam, the Ukrainian city of Kiev, Sao Paulo and Western Australia's capital Perth as places emerging out of the tourism shadows. Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Moscow, Turin in Italy and Guadalajara, the capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, also made it.

TripAdvisor's accolade comes on top of another from travel guide company Lonely Planet, which said the "beacon experience" of MONA had changed Hobart's image. It was now one of the world's top 10 must-see cities in its Best in Travel 2013 guide book.

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Tarkine row at boiling point

Circular Head deputy Mayor John Oldaker speaks at the Our Tarkine Rally at Burnie. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

TEMPERS in the Tarkine are set to reach boiling point this summer if yesterday's pro-mining rally is anything to go by.

The anger was palpable as 3500 people in Burnie chanted and screamed for Canberra to let new mineral projects go ahead in Tasmania's Tarkine.

Premier Lara Giddings and Resources Minister Bryan Green struggled to be heard as the crowd booed their arrival on the podium at the Australian Workers Union-organised event. Ms Giddings was hit with a barrage of verbal abuse by an angry placard-bearer as she approached the stage.

The retired miner was forcibly held back as he yelled at the pair.

A lone conservationist who hid his face with a mask was told to leave the rally by police as the mood turned ugly.

The protester said he was not representing any group but had come to the rally in the name of free speech.

A loud cheer erupted as the protester left.

Circular Head Deputy Mayor John Oldaker dared conservationists, who have threatened to mount a campaign to rival the bitter Franklin protest, to "bring it on".

"Let them come. But let them be warned we are bloody angry," Cr Oldaker said.

"Why can't Tasmania share in the national mining boom.

"We need (federal) Environment Minister Tony Burke to pay attention to what is being said today."

AWU national secretary Paul Howes told the crowd that Tasmanians, and Tasmanians alone, should have the right to determine their own future.

"This isn't a state of rednecks but decent hard-working Australians who want a fair go," he said to applause.

He said the local community did not want a blanket World Heritage listing imposed over 450,000ha of land in one of the most heavily mineralised parts of Australia.

"There must be protection of high-value conservation areas but there must also be opportunities for much-needed jobs and investment.

"The existing mines in the area must be allowed to continue operating and new projects must be given a fair chance to get up and running."

Mr Howes said the proposed Venture Minerals mine near Tullah would generate about half-a-billion dollars in revenue, with much of this pumped in to the local economy.

A delegation will travel to Canberra on November 28 to deliver a petition to Mr Burke, who is yet to make a decision on whether the Tarkine will receive a national heritage listing which would complicate plans for any new mines in the region.

Mr Burke also has on his desk the final approval for Shree Minerals' proposed mine at Nelson Bay River near Temma, in the Tarkine.

West Coast Mayor Darryl Gerrity labelled the attitude of environmental groups such as the Tarkine National Coalition, which is driving the heritage-listing campaign, as selfish and Neanderthal.

Burnie Mayor Steve Kons said the rally represented a turning point in negotiations in Tasmania. "We no longer want to negotiate with fringe groups," he said.

"We are digging in our heels and telling them they can no longer dictate what happens."

Speaking in Launceston after the rally, Tasmanian Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson disputed that the listing would have an impact on existing mines or mining communities.

"The message for Minister Burke today from Paul Howes was that Labor as a party should be putting short-term corporate profits and short-term jobs ahead of both the environment and long-term prosperity for Tasmanian communities," he said.

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Tourism ripe for funds

TripAdvisor has listed Hobart in its top 10 "destinations on the rise".

LOCAL tourism officials say now is the time for the State Government to spend up big on marketing the state to travellers following some heavy duty accolades.

Internet travel mega-site TripAdvisor has listed Hobart in its top 10 "destinations on the rise" hot on the heels of similar praise from travel guide Lonely Planet.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the Government needed to be convinced that dipping into a tough budget to pay for marketing would pay for itself and more.

"Research conducted last year showed spending as little as $4 million on marketing could result in up to $60 million coming back to the state through increased tourism," Mr Martin said.

"The attention we are now receiving is being driven by MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). It is now up to the rest of the tourism industry and the State Government to turn that attention into a reality of more interstate and international tourists.

"We have the product and the air and sea access. We now need to get the message out."

Mr Martin said private investors such as MONA's David Walsh would continue to spend if the Government did its bit.

"The renaissance which MONA has started has provided incredible exposure and now opportunities but that opportunity cannot be missed because of budget constraints."

TripAdvisor said destinations which made the cut had recorded the biggest increase in positive traveller feedback and interest over the past year.

Hobart shared the spotlight with Argentinian beach resort Mar del Platam, the Ukrainian city of Kiev, Sao Paulo and Western Australia's capital Perth as places emerging out of the tourism shadows. Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Moscow, Turin in Italy and Guadalajara, the capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, also made it.

TripAdvisor's accolade comes on top of another from travel guide company Lonely Planet, which said the "beacon experience" of MONA had changed Hobart's image. It was now one of the world's top 10 must-see cities in its Best in Travel 2013 guide book.

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