Fury at approval of WHA project

CONSERVATION groups have reacted angrily after a proposal for a standing camp in World Heritage-listed wilderness in the state’s Central Highlands was given the green light by the federal Environment Department.

Launceston couple Daniel and Simone Hackett’s proposed development would allow 120 helicopter flights a year on Halls Island in Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

The plan proposes the construction of six demountable buildings to provide a luxury camping experience in Lake Malbena. Visitors would be able to kayak, fish, hike and bushwalk in the area.

The project, predicted to create the equivalent of three full-time jobs, will next be taken to the Central Highlands Council for approval.

“It was important to us to assess our proposal against the highest environmental benchmark in the country, and provide for important public comment and additional scientific input,” Mr Hackett said yesterday. “We aim to develop a world-leading product that engages travellers with one of Tasmania’s great wild places, and this was a crucial step in the processes.”

The Wilderness Society submitted 800 objections to the project on behalf of concerned citizens. Society spokesman Vica Bayley said the decision was made after the State Government rezoned Lake Malbena in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area plan in 2016.

“This decision is deficient and we’ll be sure to write to the federal department to seek reasons and try to understand exactly what was and wasn’t taken into account as this development was waved through,” Mr Bayley said.

Former Greens leader Bob Brown slammed the decision as “the worst Canberra attack on Tasmanian wilderness this century”.

“We will now consider what action to take to prevent this theft and destruction of the World Heritage values so many Tasmanians have fought so hard and long to protect,” he said.

Premier Will Hodgman said the approval was proof the objectors were wrong.

“The Australian Government’s decision means that the project can proceed as planned because it has been found not to pose any threat to matters of national environmental significance,” he said.

“The approval for the Halls Island proposal is further evidence that tourism experiences can be delivered in line with existing environmental laws in our unique wilderness.”

Federal Environment Minister Melissa Price was contacted for comment.