Maria Island visitor management
Instead of addressing and finding management solutions to present concerns arising from the increase in visitors to Maria Island, it seems that increasing visitor numbers even more, and upgrading infrastructure to support this increase, is the government’s priority. This includes supporting the introduction of a new, larger ferry later in 2026, pre-empting the majority public comment on the draft management plan which wanted numbers to be limited.
Proposed ‘Next Iconic Walk in Tyndall Range
Opportunities for public comment on the PWS's 'Next Iconic Walk' proposal have or will comprise the EIS in late 2025, a Parliamentary Public Works Committee Inquiry in early 2026, a EPBC Act referral also in early 2026, and a West Coast Council development application in autumn 2026.
Failed reform of PWS Reserve Activity Assessment process
Tasmanians have already lost the right to appeal developments in national parks. Parks Minister Duigan’s statement on 18 September 2025 that the long running review of the Reserve Activity Assessment (RAA) process will not result in a new statutory process for the assessment of developments in national parks makes it clear that the government has no intention of reinstating appeal rights.
Funding for park management
Future Tasmanian governments should provide increased funding for national parks, public land management and conservation programs to protect the values of these areas, together with balanced tourism policies that protect the natural experience, prevent environmental harm, and avoid over-commercialisation of public lands.
kunanyi (Mt Wellington) zipline proposal
The TNPA opposes a proposed zipline from The Springs to a location near Strickland Falls (upper Strickland Avenue) because it is another example of a private commercial development on protected public land which impacts on both the natural and cultural (Aboriginal and historical) values of Wellington Park and the appreciation of those values by current visitors.
Tyndalls ‘Next Iconic Walk’ update
Changes announced for the proposed 'Next Iconic Walk' in the Tyndall Range will reduce the number of overnight nodes from 3 to 2 but will result in even more separate structures at Lakes Huntley and Mary.