Summary of the 2018-19 Tasmanian fire season
Over 200,000 ha was burnt this summer, including about 93,000 ha in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. A number of fire-sensitive areas have been seriously impacted or destroyed. Is this the new norm?
Lake Malbena Development Application rejected
The Development Application for helicopter-accessed tourist accommodation at Lake Malbena, in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, was rejected by 6 votes to 3 at the Central Highlands Council meeting on 26th February 2019.
MEDIA RELEASE – Mount Wellington Cable Car – Minimum Requirements for Development Application
In the absence of the long promised Development Application for the proposed Cable Car, Residents Opposed to the Cable Car and the Tasmanian National Parks Association have compiled a comprehensive document outlining those issues that they feel should be addressed.
MEDIA RELEASE – World Heritage Ancient Gondwanan Communities at Risk
Nature Photographers Tasmania and the Tasmanian National Parks Association have called on the State Government and its agencies, the Parks and Wildlife Service and the Tasmanian Fire Service, to urgently prioritise critical wilderness fires in western Tasmania. In particular, the wildfire burning at Mt Anne imminently and directly threatens ancient and irreplaceable Gondwanic plant communities.
Tourism Master Plan for TWWHA commenced
We welcome, in principle, commencement of work on the long-awaited Tourism Master Plan for the TWWHA but are concerned it will provide further endorsement of the state government’s policy of ‘unlocking’ the TWWHA and avoid any scrutiny of the many tourism proposals already being considered under the Expressions of Interest process.
Lake Malbena development – impact on wilderness
There would be significant loss of wilderness character at Lake Malbena and in the surrounding country if the proposed helicopter-based tourism development proceeds.