Revealed: First piece of Cradle Mountain master plan

THE Tasmanian Government yesterday released images of the Dove Lake viewing shelter development proposal as the period of public comment for the project opens.

Artist’s impression of Dove Lake viewing shelter development proposal. Picture: Tasmanian Government.

FROM a bird’s eye view, it looks a bit like a stealth fighter has landed.

But it is an artist’s impression of the proposed new visitor centre at Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain National Park.

Its design represents the glacial landscape of the wilderness area and, if tourism industry and government predictions play out, it will be the centrepiece of an attraction that draws more than 300,000 visitors a year.

MORE: FIRST LOOK AT PLANS FOR DOVE LAKE VIEWING SHELTER

The Tasmanian Government yesterday released images of the Dove Lake viewing shelter development proposal as the period of public comment for the project opens.

Kentish Council Mayor Don Thwaites welcomed the release of the plans, which were part of the Cradle Mountain master plan.

“We are very pleased, and that the proposal is ready to go through the process for approval,” Cr Thwaites said.

Artist’s impression of Dove Lake viewing shelter development proposal. Picture: Tasmanian Government.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said it was the first serious piece of the master plan.

“It’s really exciting, it will turn an ugly carpark and some sheds into something that is in keeping with the landscape and will elevate the site,” Mr Martin said.

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Premier Will Hodgman said feedback from the community would help refine the development application to be submitted to the Kentish Council.

Submissions must be received by October 21.

“Once all approvals have been obtained, the construction works will be tendered late this year,” Mr Hodgman said.

Construction is expected to take about 12 months.

Artist’s impression of Dove Lake viewing shelter development proposal. Picture: Tasmanian Government.

Mr Hodgman said the project would deliver a unique visitor experience.

Improvements to the Dove Lake experience include a new viewing shelter blended into the landscape at Dove Lake, a bus shelter and amenities building, an external viewing area, bus turning area, parking, a connection to the Dove Lake walking tracks and a viewing platform adjacent to Glacier Rock.

Mr Hodgman said the environmental impact statement would be on display for six weeks and public information sessions would be held at Cradle Valley, Devonport, Launceston and Hobart.

The Sunday Tasmanian attempted to contact The Wilderness Society for comment.

The DPEIS is available at www.parks.tas.gov.au.