With the release of Commonwealth Minister Sussan Ley's ‘Statement of Reasons’, for the first time, an Environment Minister has recognised that the Lake Malbena helicopter-accessed tourist development proposal will significantly and adversely impact threatened species, wilderness character and reduce natural and World Heritage values.
Fire is perhaps the greatest challenge for the management of the TWWHA, particularly in the context of a changing climate. A fire management plan is being prepared. We comment on the the various PWS fire issue discussion papers released in September 2020.
The Report by the Auditor-General into the state government’s EoI process criticises both the EoI process and the Parks and Wildlife Service’s Reserve Activity Assessment (RAA) process, most notably ‘(the) RAA is not geared to deal with more complex proposals received through EoI’.
Good news regarding the proposed helicopter-accessed tourism development at Lake Malbena from the Commonwealth Environment Minister Sussan Ley recently; “I have determined that the likely impacts to the unique values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area warrant a formal assessment”.
The Tyndall Range was announced as the government’s chosen option for their 'Next Iconic Walk' development in July 2019. We have prepared a background report describing the current state of play.
TWS and TNPA have filed an appeal against the 6 July 2020 decision by Tasmania’s Supreme Court relating to helicopter-accessed visitor accommodation at Lake Malbena. They will be arguing that the Court made a number of legal errors in reaching its decision.
It's been quite a journey to a hearing at the Planning Appeal Tribunal. This is not just an appeal about a tourism development in a Tasmanian national park. We anticipate that the outcome will set a national precedent.
This issue has a focus on Tasmania's marine protected areas, with many stunning photos accompanying a detailed article. Other articles discuss various threats to the values of some terrestrial reserves - potential overuse at the Walls of Jerusalem, the major new track and hut(s) proposed for the Tyndall Range area, and the likely long term impact of the 2019 wildfires.
BAD NEWS! The Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal by The Wilderness Society and ourselves, against the Planning Tribunal decision regarding the Lake Malbena development proposal, was handed down on 13th July. Neither of our grounds of appeal succeeded.
The proposal for a commercial hut (lodge) at Lake Rodway, below Cradle Mountain, has now reached the detailed planning stage. We are opposed to this proposal on the grounds of impacts on the natural environment and the experience of other users of the area, but in the event that the proposal proceeds, the hut and the proliferation of other facilities should be redesigned to minimise its footprint.
