News & Media Releases
Current or topical items related to our ongoing campaigns.
Lake Malbena Appeal
The decision in our appeal against proposed helicopter-accessed visitor accommodation at Lake Malbena was announced on 15 September 2021. It was a 2:1 majority decision in our favour by the full bench of the Supreme Court.
Proposed ‘Next Iconic Walk’
PWS has released the 198 page feasibility study for its ‘next iconic walk’, proposed to be constructed in the Tyndall Range. Total cost of construction is now estimated at $37 million. Surely this much money could be better spent elsewhere!
Cradle Mountain Cableway
Everybody had thought that the most preposterous aspect of the 2016 Cradle Mountain Master Plan – the cableway from the visitor centre to Dove Lake – had long been forgotten. But the nightmare is turning into reality with the Coordinator General announcing it to the annual conference of the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania as a fait accompli.
UNESCO decision on TWWHA
The World Heritage Committee has raised questions about the relationship between the recently-finalised TWWHA Tourism Master Plan, the Management Plan and the Expression of Interest process.
Cradle Mountain Visitor Experience Master Plan
Released in 2016, the Cradle Mountain Visitor Experience Master Plan is better characterised as an ambit claim from the tourism industry but is still driving development at Cradle despite some glaring inadequacies.
Devils on Maria Island
The insurance population of Tasmanian Devils on Maria Island has wiped out all breeding colonies of Little Penguins. This situation demonstrates an alarming failure of management responsibility by PWS and DPIPWE.
Our Journal
Our journal, TNPA News, 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.
TNPA News No 32 – Spring 2021
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!
TNPA News No 31 – Summer 2021
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.
TNPA News No 30 – Winter 2020
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.
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.
Tyndall Range ‘ Next Iconic Walk’ Feasibility Study
A study into a new overnight walk in the Tyndall Range claims the proposal is feasible, and the government has doubled the funding already committed to take it to $40 million. But the proposed Next Iconic Walk, and in particular its location and selection process, has been criticised by a range of eNGOs, and many aspects of the Feasibility Study reinforce these earlier concerns.
Draft Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan
Wild feral deer are a significant threat to the natural values of Tasmania’s unique and valuable national parks and protected areas. While there are some positive initiatives in the draft Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan, fundamentally, wild deer should be managed as an invasive species and biosecurity risk.
Towards a TWWHA Fire Management Plan
Fire is perhaps the greatest challenge for the management of the TWWHA, particularly in the context of a changing climate. A fire management plan is being prepared. We comment on the the various PWS fire issue discussion papers released in September 2020.
kunanyi MtB tracks – example of a planning failure
We have been raising concerns about the 37km of mountain bike (MtB) tracks proposed for the slopes of kunanyi/Mt Wellington in Riding the Mountain, and in particular a range of planning issues, since May 2020.
kunanyi/Mt Wellington Cableway Development Application
The proposal is totally inappropriate in an area where the provision of recreational and tourism uses and opportunities is expected to be ‘consistent the preservation or protection of the natural beauty of the land or of any features of the land of natural beauty or scenic interest’.
Maria Island Management Plan
The review of the Maria Island National Park management plan has finally commenced. Visitor numbers have been rising rapidly and further increases are anticipated, but it seems no consideration is being given to limiting visitor numbers.
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.