PWS’s substantial new viewing shelter at Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain, was opened with considerable fanfare last week. Its construction was a missed opportunity but the government’s future plans are even more alarming; an intrusive and unnecessary cableway to replace the shuttle bus service.
The proponent of a heli-tourism development at Lk Malbena has recently made a call for the public to comment on its proposal, with responses required by 19 October 2022. This is a test case on the right to develop wilderness.
A system of voluntary bushwalker registration on some popular walks in the TWWHA was introduced by PWS last summer. Despite shortcomings in monitoring the effectiveness of the system, it will be kept in place with minor refinements.
As we mark the centenary of one of our most significant natural wonders this week, it’s timely to reflect on what one of our most important eco-tourism pioneers envisioned for 'The Reserve'.
New national polling commissioned by the National Parks Australia Council, a coalition of state-based conservation groups, confirms that the vast majority of Australians do not want to see prime protected areas like National Parks compromised by commercial or large-scale development.
Environment groups today called for the Tasmanian Government to approach with caution any attempts by the Kentish Rifle Club to obtain funding for their proposed rifle range on Maggs Mountain, near national park access routes. Hearing rifle shots detracts from characteristics of remoteness and isolation and an unmodified natural setting.
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.
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!
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.
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.
