Economy
Three Capes walk plan: Overpriced and misconceived
THE budget for the proposed Three Capes bushwalking track has blown out $15 million, to $33 million.
The latest costings for the 68km dirt walking track come as the state and federal governments try to agree on funding. It makes the new track more than $10 million more expensive than the proposed 134km Tarkine tourist road.
Construction is yet to begin on either project and no start date has been set.
The brainchild of former premier Paul Lennon, the Three Capes track was announced in 2007 and was supposed be built within two years.
The walk was was intended to rival the iconic Overland Track, attract 10,000 hikers a year and inject $18 million a year into the Tasman Peninsula’s economy.
But Tasmanian National Parks Association president Anne McConnell said the project was overpriced and misconceived.
“We’ve been opposed to it ever since the feasibility study came out. We think it’s got environmental problems. It’s not appropriate for a national park,” she said.
“All of the construction and all of the servicing will have to be done by helicopter.
“We think there’s much better ways if you want to bring money to the Tasman Peninsula and more visitors to the national park,” she said.
The plan to use helicopters for resupply and maintenance has leading bushwalking guidebook author John Chapman stumped.
“It’s a fantastic walk. Certainly in terms of scenery, they’re some of the highest sea cliffs in the world. It’s quite sensational,” he said.
“The proposal we’ve seen is that the huts will be serviced by helicopter, which is completely stupid because there’s road all around.
“They should put the huts nearer to farmland or to forestry roads where they can easily service the damn things.”