*Pic: By Ted Mead on Pillar Cliffs
The Three Capes project impact. Pic: Rob Blakers, http://www.robblakers.com
Letter to the Editor,
Tasmanian Times,
11 January 2015
Supporters of the Tasmanian National Parks Association have recently received letters from Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Matthew Groom stating that walkers may walk the entire Three Capes Track without paying the $495 fee as long as they have a current parks pass, they walk the track from west to east (to reduce the risk of spreading pathogens) and they camp rather than stay in the huts.
This is contrary to what the Tasmanian Conservation Trust had previously understood from public statements made by the Minister and the Parks and Wildlife Service and as stated in the TCT’s Talking Point article in the Mercury on 30 December 2015. This is good news for those who do want to, or cannot, pay the $495 fee and the TCT is pleased to be able to correct the record.
This needs to be publicised. There is no information for independent walkers on the Parks and Wildlife Service or Three Capes Track websites. . These need to confirm that independent walkers can walk the Three Capes Track or the old Cape Pillar Track subject to the conditions described above without paying the $495 fee. They also need to:
• Make recommendations on camp sites (and areas where camping should be avoided to minimise environmental impacts);
• Confirm whether independent walkers can catch the ferry to the start of the track at Denmans Cove; and
• Confirm whether independent walkers can collect water and use toilets at the three huts.
Peter McGlone,
Director,
Tasmanian Conservation Trust
Catharine Errey,
President,
Tasmanian National Parks Association.
• Peter McGlone in Media Comments ( here ): Parks and Wildlife Service General Manager contradicts Minister Groom over walkers right to do Three Capes Track without paying the $500 fee.
