Feds told not to approve WHA plans

A LEAKED document shows the independent body charged with advising both levels of government on Tasmania’s protected areas warned the federal Environment Department against approving a controversial tourism development in World Heritage-listed wilderness.

The Greens yesterday released advice the National Parks and Wildlife Council handed the federal department ahead of its approval of the proposed Walls of Jerusalem standing camp last month.

Launceston couple Daniel and Simone Hackett’s project would have six demountable buildings constructed on Halls Island on Lake Malbena and allow helicopter flights into the area. National Parks and Wild- life Council chairman Malcolm Wells wrote: “The proponent does not adequately address the issue of exclusive private commercial use of an area in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the erection of permanent structures masquerading as standing camps or the impacts of regular helicopter access and potential conflict with other users of the TWWHA.

“NPWAC does not support this project progressing at this time and reiterates that contentious projects such as this should not be considered until there is an agreed framework to guide assessment.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor and Wilderness Society campaign manager Vica Bayley questioned whether the State Government received the same advice before approv- ing the project. “The Premier, whose legacy increasingly looks to be the degradation and privatisation of wilderness and protected areas, must explain … why that advice was ignored twice over,” Ms O’Connor said.

Premier Will Hodgman backed the Hacketts’ proposal as “a sensitive and appropriate development at the site”.

Mr Hackett dismissed the leaked document as “political bullying at its most basic”, accusing the Greens and conservationists of being “unable to accept the umpire’s decision”.

He said the proposal had undergone multiple assessments.

The final decision rests with the Central Highlands Council, which is understood to have not yet received a development application.