News & Media Releases
Current or topical items related to our ongoing campaigns.
Possible new location for kunanyi visitor centre
The Tasmanian National Parks Association commends the Hobart City Council for now considering Halls Saddle as a location for a kunanyi/Mt Wellington visitor centre.
Lake Malbena Tribunal Appeal
On 8-9 August, the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal heard the final two days of the Lake Malbena appeal. The Tribunal has reserved its decision. We expect a decision 30 September.
Next Iconic Walk – How did the Tyndalls get chosen?
The environmentally-sensitive Tyndall Range has been announced as the site of Tasmania's "next iconic walk" development without any opportunity to publicly scrutinise alternatives. We also question the recreational rationale for the selection.
Sham Consultation over TWWHA Tourism Master Plan
The Tourism Master Plan appears predicated on the assumption that the TWWHA exists as a resource for the tourism industry; that it needs to be ‘marketed’ and commercial tourism operators are essential in providing an experience for visitors.
Inappropriate Eyesore proposed for Dove Lake
A Development Application for the Dove Lake Viewing Shelter has been submitted to the Kentish Council. The proposal was previously subject to public consultation during the RAA process – the one minor but welcome outcome was the removal of the proposed kiosk - but the nature of the development is still highly inappropriate.
Lake Malbena RMPAT Appeal update
RMPAT heard this appeal from 24-28 June, and the hearing will resume on August 8-9 to hear further evidence and for the legal representatives to present closing submissions. At this stage, the best estimate we can give is that the Tribunal’s decision is likely to be handed down in early September.
Our Newsletter
Our newsletter is published twice a year. It aims to provide informative articles on issues related to national parks and other reserves, as well as updates on our activities and campaigns. Below are links to recent issues.
Newsletter No 28 – Autumn 2019
This edition of TNPA News includes articles discussing the wildfires that affected a significant tract of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area last summer, describes our ongoing concerns regarding planning and management issues on kunanyi/Mt Wellington, and highlights Rocky Cape National Park in photos.
Newsletter No 27 – Spring 2018
Underlying most of the articles in this issue of TNPA News is the theme of the longstanding and ongoing struggle between those who strive to protect what is unique and special about Tasmania - its natural and cultural values and its way of life – and those who see in our wild places only opportunities for attaining personal wealth and/or power.
Newsletter No 26 – Autumn 2018
A theme that occurs in most of the articles in this issue of TNPA News is the pressure to ‘open up’ wild and undisturbed parts of Tasmania for so-called ecotourism developments.
Reports & Submissions
We make formal and informal representations on a range of issues concerning national park and reserve management and also prepare periodic reports on related subjects. Below are links to some recent reports and submissions.
Waterfall Valley redevelopment 2019
Funded by a State government election promise, Waterfall Valley is the first of several overnight nodes on the Overland Track being redeveloped. The RAA documentation fails to encompass the full breadth of changes proposed or desirable for this iconic site.
Lake Malbena development proposal – background & summary
It's been quite a journey to a hearing at the Planning Appeal Tribunal. This is not just an appeal about a tourism development in a Tasmanian national park. We anticipate that the outcome will set a national precedent.
Revised Freycinet Master Plan 2019
The previous draft of the Freycinet Master Plan (2018) contained many issues of concern and the revised (2019) version remains completely tourism-focussed and unacceptable.
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.
Lake Malbena – Development Application for tourist accommodation
Establishing that the proposed development of a helicopter-based luxury tourism development at Lake Malbena is “in accordance” with the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Management Plan 2016 is central to its assessment against the requirements of the Central Highlands Planning Scheme.
The Tasmanian National Parks Association offers an independent voice for Tasmania’s national parks and reserves, to ensure they are managed for the conservation of the values for which they were proclaimed.