News & Media Releases
Current or topical items related to our ongoing campaigns.
Cradle Mountain Cableway – Good riddance!
The cableway proposal was part of the thought bubble called the 2016 Cradle Master Plan. The state government has recently been advised by the federal government that the funding commitment (the $30 million) has been withdrawn since the Tasmanian Government failed to provide the required information by 28 April 2023.
Lake Malbena: Latest process lacks integrity
The latest submission from the proponent of a helicopter-accessed tourism development at remote Lake Malbena, seeking federal approval, has not engaged with the concerns of the 1000s of stakeholders who wrote to him last year, and the whole process lacks integrity due to his treatment of these representations.
New Viewing Shelter at Dove Lake
PWS’s substantial new viewing shelter at Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain, was opened with considerable fanfare last week. Its construction was a missed opportunity but the government’s future plans are even more alarming; an intrusive and unnecessary cableway to replace the shuttle bus service.
Lake Malbena heli-tourism proposal – submissions required
The proponent of a heli-tourism development at Lk Malbena has recently made a call for the public to comment on its proposal, with responses required by 19 October 2022. This is a test case on the right to develop wilderness.
Lake Malbena developer still seeking approvals
Daniel Hackett is still attempting to obtain approval to construct his proposed helicopter accessed lodge at Lk Malbena. This has dragged on for four years, with no social license. The Federal Environment Minister should halt the current farcical consultation process.
TWWHA Walker Registration System
A system of voluntary bushwalker registration on some popular walks in the TWWHA was introduced by PWS last summer. Despite shortcomings in monitoring the effectiveness of the system, it will be kept in place with minor refinements.
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 34 – Spring 2022
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.
TNPA News No 33 – Autumn 2022
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.
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!
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.
Lake Malbena: Latest process lacks integrity
The latest submission from the proponent of a helicopter-accessed tourism development at remote Lake Malbena, seeking federal approval, has not engaged with the concerns of the 1000s of stakeholders who wrote to him last year, and the whole process lacks integrity due to his treatment of these representations.
Wellington Park Draft Visitor Recreation Strategy
The Wellington Park Draft Visitor and Recreation Strategy is a welcome and timely document and TNPA is generally supportive of the approach proposed although we remain concerned about the low priority given to management of visitor numbers.
Lake Malbena heli-tourism proposal – EPBC Act approval
Wild Drake Pty Ltd is attempting to obtain federal government approval to construct a helicopter-accessed lodge at Lake Malbena. The latest round of consultation closed on 19 October 2022. Our comments concentrated on the deficiencies of the information published by the proponent.
Review of State Planning Provisions
Under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993, the State Planning Provisions determine what land uses and developments are allowed, are prohibited or may be permitted by a local council in particular zones. The Act requires the provisions to be reviewed every 5 years.
Return of land to Aboriginal people
The State Government published a consultation paper about changing the Aboriginal Lands Act 1995 so it provides better for the return of land to Tasmania’s Aboriginal people. The paper included a suggestion that reserves could be identified for return.
Lower Gordon River Recreation Zone Plan
The successful 1998 plan describing management of the Lower Gordon River is being reviewed in the context of the new TWWHA Tourism Master Plan, but it is disappointing the scope of new Draft Plan is limited to recreation and tourism use, rather than broader issues that affect the river.
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.