Wilderness Society challenge to Lake Malbena proposal date set
The Wilderness Society will challenge the Federal Environment Minister in the Federal Court next year on the process around her decision to approve a tourism development in World Heritage-listed wilderness.
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THE Wilderness Society will challenge the federal Environment Minister in the Federal Court next year on the process surrounding her decision to approve a luxury tourism development in World Heritage-listed wilderness.
The green group will argue a delegate for Melissa Price erred in approving Launceston couple Daniel and Simone Hackett’s proposal for a helicopter-accessed standing camp in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park without requiring further assessment or imposing any conditions.
The Federal Court on Tuesday listed the one-day hearing for March 26 next year.
It will be held in Melbourne but connected to the Hobart court via video link.
Mr and Mrs Hackett’s Lake Malbena proposal has earned the ire of environmental groups, anglers and the Aboriginal Heritage Council, but has been backed by the peak tourism sector body and the state Liberals.
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Documents released to the Mercury under freedom of information laws last week showed the couple had agreed to a series of measures aimed at protecting the surrounding environment.
The briefing documents given to Ms Price acknowledged more than 900 submissions had been made on the proposal. More than 800 were campaign submissions.
Ms Price’s green light means the final decision on the proposal now sits with the Central Highlands Council.
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