Tasman Island tourism moves a step closer with proposed approval of helicopter flights

HELICOPTER and tourism access to Tasman Island is a step closer with the Parks and Wildlife Service approving a draft proposal.

There are plans for commercial tourism flights to Tasman Island, which sits just south of Cape Pillar on the Tasmana Peninsula. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

HELICOPTER and tourism access to Tasman Island is a step closer with the Parks and Wildlife Service approving a draft proposal.

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment secretary John Whittington has proposed approval of commercial helicopter activity to the island after reviewing public submissions on the draft Tasman National Park Management Plan 2016.

The plan for commercial tourism flights to the 1.2 square kilometre island off the Tasman Peninsula is being considered through the Parks and Wildlife Service’s Reserve Activity Assessment process.

Hobart helicopter operator Rotor-Lift has submitted a proposal to run tours in the area.

In his report, Mr Whittington said 20 representations on the draft plan were received including from tourism operators, helicopter companies, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Tasmanian Conservation Trust and Friends of Tasman Island.

“Public responses to the draft plan were varied, with a mix of support and concern,” Mr Whittington said.

“Friends of Tasman Island were broadly supportive as they see opportunities for appropriate tourism to facilitate the preservation of Tasmania’s lighthouse heritage.

“Two commercial helicopter operators made representations and are also supportive as long as certain aspects are considered, such as all operators having the same access rights and the establishment of a booking system to manage flight scheduling.

“Others have philosophical objections to commercial tourism developments in national parks, believe there is inadequate transparency and insufficient information about the EOI proposal, and are concerned about biosecurity issues and the potential for increased disturbance to wildlife and impacts on the experiences of other visitors.”

Mr Whittington has proposed helicopter activity at the island be limited to daylight hours, thresholds for landings and takeoffs be established and business licences for access to the island to be suspended or revoked if operators do not comply with the biosecurity plan and procedures.

A State Government spokesman said the proposal was in line with its support of sustainable development in Tasmania’s national parks.

“Allowing easier access and unique tourism experiences within our national parks will attract more visitors to the state, and support the Government’s ambitious target to attract 1.5 million visitors to the state by 2020,” he said.

But Tasmanian Greens’ parks spokeswoman Andrea Dawkins said the review was a sham process designed to achieve the proponents’ desired outcomes.

“Reasonable concerns have been routinely ignored and the weak Reserve Activity Assessment process has been pointed to as a panacea to deal with environmental impacts,” she said.

“Locals and recreational users of the area universally opposed the move.

“Users also expressed frustration that the Government is focusing on tourism for the wealthy at the expense of the locals and the local wildlife.”