Submission

The proposed replacement hut at Lake Tahune is merely one component of a creeping upgrade of facilities at Frenchmans Cap being undertaken to date without any meaningful consultation with stakeholders.

Several aspects of the recent bushfires suggest that protection of rare and threatened fire-sensitive species was not effectively prioritised in the operational management of the 2016 firefighting efforts.

The emergency response to wildfires needs to better prioritise the protection of Tasmania’s natural values.

The government’s determination to facilitate private development within a national park with the absolute minimum of public involvement demonstrates its contempt for both the values of the national park and the concept of management planning.

There are major concerns with the 2014 Draft Management Plan, all aimed at facilitating development over conservation, and downgrading he primacy of wilderness.

The arguments put forward by the Federal government to revoke 74,000 ha of the recent extensions to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area are severely flawed.

The proposed Authority structure will not provide an effective management entity for Tasmania’s parks and reserves.

The preparation of a plan to manage this popular but environmentally-sensitive area is welcome and TNPA is generally supportive of its recommendations.

The draft report is somewhat superficial when it comes to presenting a reasoned argument for ‘ecotourism’ development for Maria Island.

The Parks & Wildlife Service is inadequately funded to manage some 40% of Tasmania. Apart from additional funding, a review to identify the most cost effective and economically efficient approach to staffing, management and operational structures is required