Tasmanian Conservation Trust raises alarm over tourism push for Tasman Island

A CONSERVATION group has raised fears for the future of Tasman Island.

The Tasman Island lighthouse and associated buildings.

THE Tasmanian Conservation Trust says allowing commercial helicopters to land on Tasman Island will lead to the island’s historic buildings being redeveloped for accommodation.

Helicopter tours to the 1.2 square kilometre island, situated off the Tasman Peninsula, are being considered as part of the State Government’s plan to allow tourism developments in national parks and reserves.

The public consultation period on proposed changes to the Tasman National Park management plan has ended and Tasmanian Conservation Trust director Peter McGlone said it was a “serious corruption of process for the Parks and Wildlife Service to fail to explain that allowing commercial helicopter access will facilitate commercial development of important historic buildings on Tasman Island”.

“This will facilitate the privatisation of publicly-owned historic heritage, which is outrageous in itself, but to make these changes in secret is astonishing,” Mr McGlone said.

There is a lighthouse and three lighthouse keepers’ residences on the island.

Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Matthew Groom said any changes to the Tasman National Park management plan to allow for a tourism development on Tasman Island would be subject to all necessary state and federal approvals.

He said commercial helicopter access required a change to the management plan and the Government was working through the approval process.

“The reality is that the Greens and their various front groups will not be happy unless all of Tasmania’s natural areas are locked up and unable to ever be considered for job-creating opportunities,” Mr Groom said.

“The Government, however, is committed to encouraging new tourism experiences consistent with the proper protection of our natural and cultural heritage.“

Originally published as Tasmanian Conservation Trust raises alarm over tourism push for Tasman Island