Concerns over new Tyndall hut walk

THE West Coast community says the creation of Tasmania’s next notable walk in the Tyndall Range near Queenstown will be a game changer for a region once reliant on mining, logging and aquaculture.

But the Tasmanian Wilderness Guides Association has major concerns, saying the route will be subject to severe weather, the three-day ticket price of $576 is prohibitive and helicopters would have a negative impact on a delicate alpine environment.

Last week the state government announced a feasibility study into the development proved it stacked up and funding would be doubled to $40m to make it a reality.

Parks Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the Tyndall Range walk would add to the wilderness tourism offering already provided by the Overland and Three Capes tracks.

The project was selected for its spectacular landscape from 35 public submissions in 2019.

“The Tyndalls is a magical place that should not be locked up, or kept for a select few,” Destination West Coast president Anthony Brown said.

“It will bring more visitors and allow tourism to become a strength in a region that is predominantly mining, logging and aquaculture.”

The TWGA said it was initially excited to take part in the consultation process, but a range of potential issues emerged from a “brainstormtype consult”, president Ciara Smart said.

Ms Smart said members’ concerns regarding a hutbased, ticketed walk included that it “negates the perceived need for a skilled guide to ensure the safety of clients”, that “ticket cost is a major barrier that unfairly excludes certain demographics”, that helicopters would have a negative environmental impact, and a walk in an area subject to extreme weather was unsuitable for beginner bushwalkers.