Highway protest over trail impasse

A TASMANIAN horse rider is making his way to Hobart to protest ongoing access issues with the Tasmanian Trail and the dangers associated with being forced onto busy roads.

Northern Tasmanian Trail president Dakota Wolf and his horse Coda have started their journey and should be in the state’s capital on Thursday.

It is 10 days since a fence which blocked access near Sheffield was removed after the State Government became involved in a long-running issue with a private landowner.

But Mr Wolf has saddled up in frustration as negotiations over another blockage on Old Deloraine Rd drag on.

The Government says it is again trying to resolve the matter amicably.

Mr Wolf said an alternative route put up by Crown Land Services to try to end the stand-off is dangerous.

“It is with great disappointment that I have to report that Old Deloraine Rd that comes out onto Native Plains Rd is still closed off by the landowner,” Mr Wolf told users of the Devonport to Dover trail.

“The last few hundred metres crosses his paddock but follows a reserved road owned by the Crown. Legally he has no right to prevent access.

“Coda and l are on our way to Hobart to see Crown Land Services and the Government to try and negotiate a solution.”

A DPIPWE spokesman said the Parks and Wildlife Service recognised the significance of the Tasmanian Trail to a wide range of recreational users.

“A landholder in the Sassafras area has raised concerns in relation to a section of the trail that cuts through the middle of his paddock,” he said.

“The PWS will continue to work with all parties to enable ongoing public access and resolve the matter amicably.”