Our Journal

This issue of TNPA News celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, describing the struggle that led to its initial World Heritage listing in 1982, as well as subsequent campaigns that gave rise to major expansions in the protected area in 1989 and 2013.

In this issue, we describe the history of Tasmania’s national park system, and note the centenary of one of Tasmania’s most famous parks. It is apparent that tourism development issues are not new, and disturbing current trends are noted. But there are also encouraging results from a recent national poll.

The 20 years campaigns timeline in this issue of TNPA News gives an impressive picture of the work and achievements of the TNPA since its inception. It also, more soberingly, shows that some of the same battles have had to be fought over and again!

Tourism-related issues are again discussed in this issue, specifically the opportunity presented by the COVID-19 shutdown to do things differently in future. There is also discussion of issues relevant to the forthcoming TWWHA fire management plan. Reviews of two new books also feature.

This issue has a focus on Tasmania's marine protected areas, with many stunning photos accompanying a detailed article. Other articles discuss various threats to the values of some terrestrial reserves - potential overuse at the Walls of Jerusalem, the major new track and hut(s) proposed for the Tyndall Range area, and the likely long term impact of the 2019 wildfires.

This issue features articles discussing the State government's current approach to public consultation, an introduction to some of Tasmania's 'other' reserves, notes a missed opportunity for progressive backcountry management, and includes an opinion piece arguing that the style and approach to tourism being promoted at present will ultimately fail.