Australian state to build the world’s biggest chocolate fountain if the Liberals are re-elected

Tasmania will become home to the world’s largest chocolate fountain if the Liberals return to government at the upcoming state election.

The island nation goes to the polls on March 23 after the minority Liberal government failed to resolve a deadlock with two independents.

Prime Minister Jeremy Rockliff says if re-elected his government will work with local tourism industry leader Simon Currant to deliver “the world’s ultimate chocolate experience.”

The chocolate fountain will be located next to the Cadbury factory, just north of Hobart, overlooking the Derwent River, offering chocoholics a sweet taste of the Apple Isle.

There will also be a premium chocolate studio, a chocolate lab with a homemade chocolate bar, a chocolate emporium, café and playground.

Touted by the Liberals as “the biggest thing to happen to tourism since MENA”, Mr Rockliff said tourism had been one of the state’s most transformative sectors over the past decade.

‘This will rewrite the ‘must-see’ list for every visitor coming to Tasmania; hug a Tassie devil, drink wine at Wineglass, walk through Salamanca, climb Cradle and top it all off with the sweetest experience of all at the Chocolate Experience at Cadbury,” he said on Sunday.

Mr Rockliff previously claimed 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 deliver a new range of ultra-premium chocolate, which means more ultra-premium Tasmanian milk will also be needed,” he said.

“This is great news for Tasmania’s dairy farmers, especially in our state’s north-west dairy region.”

Mr Currant predicted the complex would become a tourism icon.

“My vision for years has been to have our own chocolate experience here, not just a chocolate shop, an experience they will remember forever,” he said Sunday.

“It came from an original plan to resurrect what once was there and… to amaze people.”

Most of the $100 million in funding will come from investment groups, Currant said, adding that the Liberal government’s support would give investors confidence.

The project also has the backing of factory owner Mondelez International, who, according to Currant, has given permission to use the Cadbury name.

“Cadbury is already a much-loved and valued contributor to the Tasmanian economy,” he said.

‘The Chocolate Experience at Cadbury will take it even further to the next level and add a new experiential element, ensuring its sustainability and vibrancy into the future.

“This is a uniquely Tasmanian story that embraces provenance, innovation and artisan chocolate production, with the entire state sharing in the benefits.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff (pictured) claimed the attraction would boost Tasmania’s tourism and dairy industry

A returned Liberal government will set aside $12 million for the project and invest $2 million over 18 months in planning, design, approvals and completion.

Approximately $2 million will be spent over 18 months on early stage works at the site, including but not limited to public walkways, cycling infrastructure and main works.

Subject to agreed upon milestones, $8 million would then be made available to the district.

The project could create 300 construction jobs, 200 jobs upon completion and boost $120 million in annual economic activity.

AAP has contacted Labor and the Greens for comment.