Tasmanian Greens’ anger at Freycinet Lodge proposal to access National Park land

A PROPOSAL to hand over National Parks land for a Freycinet Lodge expansion has been described as locking up wilderness for the wealthy.

The Cape Tourville Lighthouse on the Freycinet Peninsula within the Freycinet National Park. Picture: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett

A PROPOSAL to hand over National Parks land for a Freycinet Lodge expansion has been described by the Greens as locking up the wilderness for the enjoyment of the wealthy few.

Greens leader Cassy O’ Connor today said the RACT — owner of the Freycinet Lodge — would have access to an extra 5.6ha of the Freycinet National Park under the Government proposal.

An amendment to the Freycinet National Park management plan would allow Freycinet Lodge to develop 12 cabins and 12 hardstands with ensuite facilities for campervans on the expanded area.

Ms O’Connor said the present Freycinet National Park Management Plan explicitly prohibited any extension of the development footprint of Freycinet Lodge into the fragile, protected coastal area.

“Rather than respect the natural values of the Freycinet National Park and the right of all Tasmanians to access it for the cost of a parks’ pass, the minister is facilitating a weakening of the area’s protections and locking Tasmanians out of their own parks,” she said.

But Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Matthew Groom said the proposed amendment to the Freycinet National Park management plan was being undertaken in accordance with all statutory requirements, including full public consultation.

Describing the Greens as hypocrites, he said: “They say we should use our magnificent natural assets to attract tourists, on the other hand they oppose every tourism development put forward.”

People can have a say on the amendment, which was advertised on December 19, until February 1.