FIND THE BALANCE
AS VISITORS return to our state in their droves, so too returns the debate about the type of environment and experiences Tasmania should offer. There’s staunch debate about the return of cruise ships, the Airbnb offerings and whether or not Tasmania has been in danger of welcoming more tourists than we can cope with.
Balancing up the economic needs of growing the tourism industry with protecting the very thing that makes the state special — our largely unspoilt natural beauty — presents huge challenges.
Attractions such as kunanyi/ Mount Wellington, Freycinet and Cradle Mountain are high on the list of almost every visitor. Some would argue these destinations have been loved too much.
But moves to facilitate tourism developments in national parks have caused arguably the most controversy.
And proposed projects have aroused the attention of the conservation movement because of their perceived impact on the state’s World Heritage Areas.
That issue has played out on the front page of today’s edition.
The 17- year- old wildlife photographer Robert Irwin might have been unaware the helicopter he was travelling in close to mountains in Tasmania’s World Heritage zones would cause such a stir.
But as a keen conservationist, the son of Steve Irwin should be aware of the conflict that exists. As well, the Irwins — including Robert — have not been backward in expressing their opinions.
For example, last year the young conservationist used his place on the world stage to criticise attempts to manage crocodile numbers in Queensland.
“In Australia, crocs have now been really on the decline. Their eggs are being taken and harvested to be turned into meat,” he told the Jimmy Fallon show.
This incident again highlights the fragile balance Tasmanian policy makers must strike between preserving our natural environments and ensuring businesses are able to find ways to create jobs.
It’s a great privilege that those who can afford it are able to see our World Heritage zones from on board a helicopter.
However, those who have hiked for days into the wilderness in pursuit of peace and quiet say it comes at their expense.
This is the second time in as many years these types of operations have made headlines and it does seem the time is nigh to find a consensus on where choppers can fly and where they can land.
No doubt hardline conservationists would prefer to see areas like these completely locked away.
But what views like this fail to appreciate is the more jobs we are able to create in harmony with our state’s wild places, the greater the chances they will remain wild for future generations.