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.
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.