Environmentalists signal fight against Lake Malbena project will continue

UPDATED: The fight for Lake Malbena is not over as opponents of the development consider appealing against a tribunal decision to approve the project.

ENVIRONMENT groups are considering appealing against a tribunal decision that has cleared a path for the Lake Malbena tourism development.

Daniel and Simone Hackett had appealed to the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal (RMPAT) against Central Highlands Council’s decision to refuse their proposal for a helicopter-accessed standing camp on Halls Island, on Lake Malbena.

The lake is in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The Hacketts were joined by the State Government in their appeal.

Daniel and Simone Hackett, the proponents of a luxury camp on Halls Island. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

The RMPAT decision, published this morning, said the Hacketts’ proposal was compliant with the planning scheme and that Council’s decision to refuse it would be set aside.

However Wilderness Society campaign manager Tom Allen said the decision could not be considered a green light for the project.

“It’s not a final decision yet, there’s 14 days for parties to discuss conditions imposed ... and after that there’s another 28 days for parties to consider appealing the decision. That’s something we are actively considering,” he said.

“We still have hope.”

Wilderness Society campaign manager Tom Allen said the group is considering appealing against the RMPAT decision. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Tasmanian National Parks Association president Nick Sawyer said the decision was not “a ringing endorsement” of the proposal or of the Government’s wilderness expressions of interest process.

Mr Sawyer said the decision was simply a very narrow interpretation of the Central Highlands Council planning scheme.

Tasmanian National Parks Association president Nick Sawyer.

Fly fishing identity Greg French said a helicopter-accessed camp in the heart of the Western lakes would compromise the entire area.

“The Government gifted an entire 10ha island to the proponent without notification let alone consultation,” he said.

“This is the thin end of the wedge. If this decision stands, the Government can actually privatise any or all of our national parks without letting any of us know about it. If you are not outraged by this, you simply don’t understand what’s been done.

“There is absolutely no social licence for this project.”

An artist’s impression of the proposed Lake Malbena eco-tourism standing camp. Picture: CUMULUS STUDIO

However, Environment Minister Peter Gutwein welcomed the decision.

“RMPAT’s decision enables the project to proceed and is a positive endorsement of the Government’s Expressions of Interest initiative, a process that provides an open and transparent framework to enable entrepreneurs to bring forward innovative ideas for sensible and appropriate tourism offerings and experiences in our state,” Mr Gutwein said.

’It is time for the Greens and their anti-everything allies to accept the umpire’s decision and stop their appalling tactics, fuelled by misinformation and grubby politicking.

“Appropriate and environmentally sensitive proposals that showcase and protect Tasmania’s unique natural values, while delivering real jobs, deserve our broad support.”