From Salamanca to the WHA

The Tasmanian Greens today announced plans for an exciting new eco-tourism development connecting Salamanca Place with Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, via a route walked by Charles Darwin in 1836.

Greens Member for Denison Cassy O’Connor said the Charles Darwin Walk was one of a series of sensitive developments the Greens were proposing for the mountain, aimed at driving new tourism investment that respects the mountain’s natural values.

“Imagine a single, unbroken walk between the Salamanca Market and the spectacular Valley of the Giants in the Styx, which is now part of Tasmania’s World Heritage Area,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Tasmania’s breathtaking wilderness walks already lure thousands of tourists to Tasmania every year, but this would take eco-tourism marketing to a whole new level.”

“Just imagine putting your boots and your backpack on in Salamanca and reaching the World Heritage Area after several days traversing some of the world’s most spectacular Tasmanian wilderness.

“The route would travel along the original path taken by Charles Darwin in 1836, when he became the first European to reach the summit of kunanyi-Mount Wellington.”

“This is gift for tourism marketing, because it combines so many of the historical and natural wonders that make Tasmania a unique place in the world.”

“For those who are unable to experience the wilderness on foot, the Greens would also provide funding to purchase and operate an all weather, electric shuttle bus between the Springs and the summit.”

“The Greens would also commit $100,000 to assess alternatives to the current ‘rocket ship’ television mast on the summit of the mountain, to return the summit, as much a possible, to its natural state.”

“This is all about creating sustainable development that drives new economic opportunities, while respecting and preserving the natural values that people come to Tasmania to experience.”

A copy of the policy initiative is available to download here: http://tasmps.greens.org.au/content/tasmanian-greens-policy-initiative-45

Greens Member for Denison Cassy O’Connor