News & Media Releases
Current or topical items related to our ongoing campaigns.
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.
Changes to EOI process for tourism opportunities in parks
Why has the government chosen to announce some tinkering with the Expressions of Interest for Tourism Opportunities in National Parks (EOI) process while stalling on the reforms to the process that really matters, the Reserve Activity Assessment (RAA)?
Private land sale adjacent to Tasman National Park
The Tasmanian National Parks Association has called on the Tasmanian Government to extend Tasman National Park near Crescent Bay, close to Port Arthur, by acquiring a property recently offered for sale.
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.
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.
National Parks are for protection not development – new national poll
New national polling commissioned by the National Parks Australia Council, a coalition of state-based conservation groups, confirms that the vast majority of Australians do not want to see prime protected areas like National Parks compromised by commercial or large-scale development.
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.