Supreme Court to consider an appeal over the Lake Malbena tourism proposal

The fight over the Lake Malbena tourism proposal is continuing in the courts – and neither side is showing any sign of backing down.

Lake Malbena in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

THE Supreme Court will consider the latest appeal against a helicopter-accessed standing camp in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

In October, Daniel and Simone Hackett successfully appealed to the Resource, Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal (RMPAT) against the Central Highlands Council’s decision to refuse their Lake Malbena tourism project.

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

The Wilderness Society is now appealing that decision in the Supreme Court.

The appeal will be decided on the parties’ written submissions.

Tom Allen from the Wilderness Society of Tasmania. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Wilderness Society spokesman Tom Allen said the appeal contended the RMPAT improperly delegated its assessment of the Lake Malbena proposal to Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service.

“We argue that the tribunal failed to consider the negative impacts of the proposal on wilderness and other values. We believe this was a legal error,” Mr Allen said.

Mr Hackett said he looked forward to the outcome of the Supreme Court considerations.

“(We) will continue to go through the rigorous federal, state and local planning scheme provisions to ensure that we deliver one of the most sensitive and sustainable tourism operations,” Mr Hackett said.

“The Wilderness Society have refused numerous offers to talk to us face-to-face about their concerns.

“It is clear they are simply chasing media opportunities with their actions.”

The Wilderness Society also took the Federal Government to court over its approval of the Hacketts’ proposal.

The Federal Court ordered that the Federal Government’s decision be set aside.

A new decision is pending.