The Waratah Loop – Tasmanian Times
As part of the dialogue in 2020, re the above concept I had a positive contribution from Sustainable Timber Tasmania as the bulk of the proposed loop lies on land under their management. Here’s a nice chewy bit of their supportive input:
… have undertaken a review of the Concept, and can advise that STT are in support, subject to activities relating to the rehabilitation, track construction and repair on PTPZL meet criteria identified under the formal STT Forest Activity Assessment (FAA) process. STT will be able to complete the FAA process once the Incorporated Association is formed and a more detailed project outline is provided which would include but not be limited to costing and funding, risk assessment and insurance. If all criteria are met, I would seek approval for a Licence agreement to allow activities on PTPZL under conditions.
STT would like to confirm that if this were to proceed, our preference is that the trails be licenced through Council who would be responsible for the ongoing maintenance in conjunction with the Association. STT would require that any rehabilitation or establishment of walking tracks meets relevant Australian walking trail standards
STT will work to identify the opportunities to collaborate where possible and I have identified the project area is made up of multi-tenure land holdings (PTPZL, Crown Land, Reserve, FPPF and Licence/Lease holders) and Council and the Association should identify and consult with all land managers.
That’s a qualified yes then. Very qualified, but it’s a great start. So where to now?
The community intends to ask the state government to provide up to $1million from the fund that they have ‘provided’ (see below) to STT and others for the revitalisation of the forestry industry to allow a complete renewal of the Loop. Or indeed funds in addition to it. The 2022 Budget is coming up, so let’s roll. The Tasmanian Government, in seeking to stimulate a way out of the pandemic years, has the advantage of not having a pegged its strategy to a ridiculous, expensive and climate-frying notion like the federal LNP’s ‘gas-fired recovery’.
We trust the WarWyn Council will provide their full support for such an approach. Surely they would want to see investment in visitor facilities and activities in Waratah.
Timberbiz » Tas Government to invest in forestry and timber
Seven projects around Tasmania will share in a $6 million investment through the Forestry On-Island Processing Program to help the sector turn existing wood supplies, as well as wood residues, into higher-value products.
This injection of funds will lead to a direct $23 million investment in modern processing and production processes in facilities located around the State, from Smithton to Bell Bay to Glenorchy.
“This important program recognises and supports Tasmanian businesses to continue to transform and develop into world leading producers of the world’s most sustainable and carbon friendly building product, wood,” Tasmanian Forest Products Association CEO Nick Steel said.
Resources Minister Guy Barnett said that the successful projects would add value to the current timber harvest, better utilise wood waste, help insulate the industry from international commodity markets, reduce the need for imported wood products and support the construction industry locally.
Pick through that buzzword salad and you’ll a few things we could use here in Waratah: investment, transformation, insulation from volatility elsewhere, adding value to local experiences, and a carbon friendly and sustainable activity for visitors to enjoy.
All of the relevant industry experts in the community say the restoration is more than achievable – confirmed over my fence this morning by one of the ‘experts’ who also stated it would be a great tourism experience. Structurally sound if the footbridge over the Ringtail Falls is improved as per the Grant submission.
It is time for the #PapiG Government and #Gollum to stop hiding in the Hobbit cave on the Philosopher Falls Track – see photo- and SAVE THE WARATAH COMMUNITY!!
And then place a link that continually replays this wonderful Hobbit song to echo through the Old Powerhouse in memory of Philosopher Smith – perhaps the Great One will return!
