Lease stalls eco project
Prof Morris-Nunn said the standoff was preventing a project which could “redefine the state”.
“It is very, very slowly working its way through the system,” he said.
“[What is holding it up] the determination for the length of the lease for the seabed, we are having to do a lot of work to try and get it.”
The Mercury understands that Prof Morris-Nunn — and other proponent former Tasmanian Heritage Council chairman and former Conservation Trust chief Michael Lynch — are requesting a 99-year lease from Parks and Wildlife for the crown leases in Recherche Bay in the state’s South-West.
They include one on the shore for a jetty to get the people out to the resort, one at Dover for parking and reception and one over the water in Recherche Bay.
A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment spokesman said they were still working on a suitable lease.
“The proponent has been provided with a draft lease for consideration and PWS is awaiting a response,” he said.
The development application for the tourist eco-resort includes seven pontoons moored just offshore, with no direct access to the land except by boat or seaplane.
The pontoons support two-storey structures built to resemble the hulls of French explorer ships and traditional Tasmanian Aboriginal canoes.
The project also includes onshore backpackers’ accommodation, a visitors’ centre and a market garden like that once planted by French explorers nearby.
As debate rages over the best way to preserve Tasmania’s heritage and environmental beauty, Prof MorrisNunn said one of the best ways to do so was to allow sensible development that captured the “spirit” of the area where the proposed development would take place.
“We have this great wilderness that allows for very smart development that helps conserve the area by letting people fall in love with the place,” he said.