Have Your Say on Draft West Coast 4WD Tracks Strategy

Nick Duigan, Minister for Parks and Environment, May 25 2024

Have your say on the draft West Coast Off Road Vehicle Strategy

The public are now invited to have their say on the draft West Coast Off Road Vehicle Strategy.

Minister for Parks and Environment, Nick Duigan, said the draft strategy forms part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, with a $10 million commitment to support sustainable recreational off-road vehicle opportunities in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, and wider west coast region.

“The draft strategy is focused on developing sustainable management outcomes for off-road vehicle use and delivering an improved experience for users and visitors in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area and the broader west coast,” Minister Duigan said.

“The draft strategy aims to protect the important natural and cultural values of the area, while allowing safe access, improved facilities and enhanced recreational experiences within the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area.

“In recognition of the significance of the Western Tasmania Aboriginal Cultural Landscape and previous decisions not to reopen tracks that had been closed, the West Coast Off Road Vehicle Strategy seeks to improve existing tracks and facilities, rather than opening new tracks or reopening previously closed tracks.

“This strategy is also not about closing tracks.”

The Tasmanian Government has worked closely with the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area Management Committee who have endorsed the release of the draft strategy for community feedback.

Submissions and comments can be made on the draft strategy over the next eight weeks through the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website. The submissions will be considered as part of the final strategy.

For more information on the draft strategy, and to have your say, visit: https://parks.tas.gov.au/be-involved/have-your-say.

Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader, 25 May 2024

Aboriginal Heritage Must Be Priority Ahead Of New Track Work

The government’s release of the Draft West Coast Off-road Vehicle Strategy is another reminder of the urgent need to reform Tasmania’s woefully inadequate Aboriginal heritage laws.

The proposed strategy has many actions underpinned by recent or forthcoming Aboriginal heritage assessments. Given the widely acknowledged poor protections under existing law, we have no confidence these assessments would be capable of appropriately protecting lutruwita’s tens of thousands of years of rich Aboriginal heritage.

It has been more than three years since the government released a comprehensive review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975. The review found the Act was outdated and fundamentally flawed*, yet it is still the basis for ongoing assessments, decisions and management – including this draft NW off-road vehicle strategy.

The state’s west coast is home to important, precious and ancient Aboriginal heritage. It’s crucial we have strengthened laws in place prior to considering new work or upgrades of off-road vehicle tracks and facilities on the west coast.

The Rockliff government has dragged its feet for three years on making long-overdue and critical reforms to Aboriginal heritage laws. We call on Minister Jaensch to strengthen this legislation as a matter of priority.

*”The language, structure and functions of the Act are outdated and do not support management and protection of Aboriginal heritage in Tasmania in a manner that is consistent with contemporary practices and standards for managing Indigenous heritage, nationally and internationally.” [page 4 of the review ]