Lake Malbena Appeal
The decision in our appeal against proposed helicopter-accessed visitor accommodation at Lake Malbena was announced on 15 September 2021. It was a 2:1 majority decision in our favour by the full bench of the Supreme Court.
kunanyi MtB tracks – example of a planning failure
We have been raising concerns about the 37km of mountain bike (MtB) tracks proposed for the slopes of kunanyi/Mt Wellington in Riding the Mountain, and in particular a range of planning issues, since May 2020.
Proposed ‘Next Iconic Walk’
PWS has released the 198 page feasibility study for its ‘next iconic walk’, proposed to be constructed in the Tyndall Range. Total cost of construction is now estimated at $37 million. Surely this much money could be better spent elsewhere!
Cradle Mountain Cableway
Everybody had thought that the most preposterous aspect of the 2016 Cradle Mountain Master Plan – the cableway from the visitor centre to Dove Lake – had long been forgotten. But the nightmare is turning into reality with the Coordinator General announcing it to the annual conference of the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania as a fait accompli.
UNESCO decision on TWWHA
The World Heritage Committee has raised questions about the relationship between the recently-finalised TWWHA Tourism Master Plan, the Management Plan and the Expression of Interest process.
Cradle Mountain Visitor Experience Master Plan
Released in 2016, the Cradle Mountain Visitor Experience Master Plan is better characterised as an ambit claim from the tourism industry but is still driving development at Cradle despite some glaring inadequacies.
Devils on Maria Island
The insurance population of Tasmanian Devils on Maria Island has wiped out all breeding colonies of Little Penguins. This situation demonstrates an alarming failure of management responsibility by PWS and DPIPWE.
kunanyi/Mt Wellington cable car rejected
The kunanyi proposal has finally been rejected by the Hobart City Council by 9 votes to 3. Removal of the looming threat of the cable car should leave the way open for rational consideration of all aspects of management of The Mountain.
kunanyi/Mt Wellington Cableway Development Application
The proposal is totally inappropriate in an area where the provision of recreational and tourism uses and opportunities is expected to be ‘consistent the preservation or protection of the natural beauty of the land or of any features of the land of natural beauty or scenic interest’.
Maria Island Management Plan
The review of the Maria Island National Park management plan has finally commenced. Visitor numbers have been rising rapidly and further increases are anticipated, but it seems no consideration is being given to limiting visitor numbers.