The Australian Government's latest report to UNESCO's World Heritage Centre was released on 1 December 2019. This was one of the requirements of the 2015 monitoring mission to the TWWHA. The situation is not so good as the report makes out.
This issue features articles discussing the State government's current approach to public consultation, an introduction to some of Tasmania's 'other' reserves, notes a missed opportunity for progressive backcountry management, and includes an opinion piece arguing that the style and approach to tourism being promoted at present will ultimately fail.
The Federal Court judgement vindicates TWS’ decision to challenge the original Ministerial decision that the Halls Island proposal was not a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
In its decision on the Lake Malbena luxury tourism proposal the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal has found that it isn’t required to assess the proposal against the management plan.
The Tasmanian National Parks Association commends the Hobart City Council for now considering Halls Saddle as a location for a kunanyi/Mt Wellington visitor centre.
On 8-9 August, the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal heard the final two days of the Lake Malbena appeal. The Tribunal has reserved its decision. We expect a decision 30 September.
The environmentally-sensitive Tyndall Range has been announced as the site of Tasmania's "next iconic walk" development without any opportunity to publicly scrutinise alternatives. We also question the recreational rationale for the selection.
The Tourism Master Plan appears predicated on the assumption that the TWWHA exists as a resource for the tourism industry; that it needs to be ‘marketed’ and commercial tourism operators are essential in providing an experience for visitors.
A Development Application for the Dove Lake Viewing Shelter has been submitted to the Kentish Council. The proposal was previously subject to public consultation during the RAA process – the one minor but welcome outcome was the removal of the proposed kiosk - but the nature of the development is still highly inappropriate.
RMPAT heard this appeal from 24-28 June, and the hearing will resume on August 8-9 to hear further evidence and for the legal representatives to present closing submissions. At this stage, the best estimate we can give is that the Tribunal’s decision is likely to be handed down in early September.
