Trans Tarkine Track plan seeks $25 million funding

A proposal for a 10-day, 104km hike across the world-renowned Tarkine region has been revealed. See the proposed route.

The Trans Tarkine walk would take hikers through the wilderness before emergin on the beaches of the West Coast. Picture: ROB BLAKERS

A PROPOSAL for a 10-day, 104km hike across the world-renowned Tarkine region has been revealed.

The Bob Brown Foundation on Friday released a business case for the Trans Tarkine Track and are seeking $25 million in government funding to make it a reality.

The trek would start at the Arthur River near Blue Peak in the state’s North-West.

Hikers would spend seven days in the wilderness before emerging on the beaches of the West Coast near the mouth of the Lagoon River. The track then takes hikers along the coast for three nights before finishing with a cruise along the Pieman River to Corinna.

The Donaldson River.

The track would include 10 campsites with sanitary facilities.

The business case was prepared by PwC Indigenous Consulting.

LOBBYING GROWS FOR STATE’S NEXT ICONIC WALK

Former Greens leader Bob Brown said the report shows the walk was a “real goer” and had been put to all political parties at federal and state level.

He said nobody has said no yet. He said the foundation was calling on the Federal Government to fund the $25 million.

“There’s an inherent yes there waiting and it seems such a good opportunity economically,” Dr Brown said.

“We know it’s got state and federal government interest and the opposition.

“This one is the iconic walk that hasn’t been put in place. It’s not only the biggest, it’s the most diverse, it has fabulous Aboriginal heritage.”

The Tarkine Coast. Picture: Paul Hoelen Photography

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre chief executive Heather Sculthorpe said it would immediately deliver empowerment to the state’s Aboriginal community through four indigenous ranger positions.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein said he hadn’t seen all of what Dr Brown was proposing.

“There’s an [Expression of Interest] process under way and we’ll consider all of the proposals that come through that,” he said.

From left, Graeme Gardner, of the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania, former Tourism Australia chief Ken Boundy, Heather Sculthorpe, of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, and Bob Brown. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Dr Brown said the track would be managed by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and would generate $1 million in revenues by the third year.

Projections indicate the track would attract 5670 walkers in the first year, rising to 10,000 by year three.

A map of the proposed Trans Tarkine Track. Picture: BOB BROWN FOUNDATION