Fortescue Bay is a favourite beachside spot for picnickers, bushwalkers, campers and recreational fishers.
Background on the Tasmanian Conservation Trust and Tasmanian National Parks Association proposal to the Premier that the Three Capes Track development proposed in the Tasman National Park be declared a ‘Project of State Significance’ under the State Polices and Projects Act 1993.
The Media Conference presented background to the Project of State Significance process, our numerous concerns regarding the Three Capes Track project and why a more rigorous and independent assessment is required.
TCT and TNPA have serious concerns regarding the probity of the current internal Parks and Wildlife Service assessment process. PWS are the proponent of the 3CT project, but are also ultimately responsible for its assessment, approval and regulation. This compromises the PWS’s ability to objectively assess the proposal or to regulate its implementation if it was to be approved. We believe that it is highly inappropriate for a project of this scale and impact, involving a considerable investment of public funds, to not be subject to rigorous, independent review.
In summary, the Project of State Significance process has the potential to:
– take existing, previously ignored, concerns about the development into account;
– address major gaps in the current assessment;
– prevent or minimize the significant environmental and heritage impacts of the current proposal;
– allow for possible alternatives or amendments to the current project which takes into account community and local tourist industry concerns;
– take the authority to approve the project away from the project proponent;
– ensure a better return on the substantial public investment
The TCT and TNPA hopes that the Premier seriously considers this option as a means of ensuring a better economic outcome with less environmental and heritage impacts.
Peter McGlone – Tasmanian Conservation Trust,
Rob Campbell – Tasmanian National Parks Association
Anne McConnell – Tasmanian National Parks Association
Download:
TCTTNPA_Three_Capes_Track_PoSS_Briefing_Note.doc
Great-Tasman-Coastal-Experience_Report_TNPA_2011.pdf
