It is 100 years since two of Tasmania’s most iconic national parks were created, and the occasion has triggered yet more debate on the way forward for the state’s wilderness areas.
With Freycinet and Mount Field National Parks celebrating their centenary with free entry and a range of free activities, conservationists say more parks should be established in areas such as the Takyna/Tarkine, the Great Western Tiers, and the north-east highlands.
“Tourists don’t want to come to interact with log tracks, or see land use conflict over mining in incredibly sensitive areas,” Wilderness Society spokesperson, Vica Bayley, told the ABC. “They want to know that places are protected and national park is the icon that is both conservation and the very best of the best.”
He believes the establishment of more national parks will be central to Tasmania’s brand as a wild place.
Environment Minister Matthew Groom has said the Government remains committed to its existing 19 national parks, and almost half of the state is already protected in reserves.
“I think we’ve got a responsibility to tourists also to make sure we’re investing in the infrastructure necessary to give them a good quality tourism experience,” he told the ABC. “We’ve got to find ways that ensure we don’t kill the golden goose, that we preserve these areas for what people find attractive and special about them.”
However, the Tasmanian Greens have accused the Government of trumpeting the parks at the same times as there were moves to open up more areas “for commercial exploitation”.
“The whole Tarkine area is covered by exploration by mining companies,” said Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson. “It’s still being logged.”
reserves yes, more national parks no, many people travel with their pet as companion and it greatly restricts the places they can go,most of these are respectful of the native wildlife ect.
Yes, We agree with Fred above!
We travel with our 19 year old blind Japanese chin dog, in his life he has given us as well as many other people his love, now it is our responsibility to comfort him.
We were planning to travel to Tassie mid November this year for 4-5 months, however with the high cost to get there as well as less places to visit and camp in our self contained rig we might have to reconsider our plans.