Cradle Mountain Centenary – Talking Point
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'.
National Parks are for protection not development – new national poll
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.
Proposed Maggs Mountain Rifle Range
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.
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.
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.