The RACT has abandoned its controversial plan to take over another 5.6 hectares of Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park in order to accommodate more motorhomes and cabins.
The motoring organisation announced the backflip after encountering strong opposition to its proposal to increase the size of Freycinet Lodge by adding 12 serviced sites for motorhomes and 12 cabins. The lodge currently has 60 cabins.
The State Government had proposed amending Freycinet National Park’s management plan as part of its expressions of interest process for tourism developments in wilderness areas, and the RACT proposal had already won a $1 million Federal Government grant, subject to final planning approval.
However, RACT chief executive Harvey Lennon said any development would now only occur within the existing footprint at the property. He said the step had been taken following widespread consultation.
“We recognise that any development at Freycinet Lodge must be sustainable and sensitive to the environment in which it is located,” he said. “We remain committed to further sensible investment for the benefit of our members and visitors to the state.”
The scaled back plan for Freycinet Lodge will now see spa cabins built, and the addition of access rooms and enhanced amenities at the existing site.
The original plan sparked intense opposition from the Freycinet Action Network, and saw hundreds of RACT members sign a petition for a special general meeting to debate the proposal to expand the lodge.
