‘We all need places of safety’: Community fights to save Huon Bush Retreats

A fight is on to save a beloved eco-retreat from a sale that would lock the public out of the land and open it up to native forest logging — and a Hollywood star could help.

Michael Smith, co-owner of Huon Bush Retreats at Ranelagh, is fighting to save the property from being sold. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Huon Bush Retreats is more than just a collection of cabins in the Huon Valley.

For current custodian Michael Smith, it is a sanctuary for nature, culture, and community.

“We all need places of safety. Places that hold us when life feels unbearable,” Mr Smith said.

This is why he is fighting to save his beloved eco-retreat from a sale that will open it up to native forest logging and likely turn it into private accommodation.

Labelled ‘Project Huon’, Mr Smith is aiming to secure full community ownership of the 50 hectares of wild forest “for the public, for wildlife, and for generations to come”, launching a crowdfunding campaign to take it off the market.

The businessman has even reached out to Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio, who has been vocal recently about protecting Tasmanian forests and wildlife including the swift parrot and Maugean skate.

Michael Smith, co-owner of Huon Bush Retreats at Ranelagh, is fighting to save the property from being sold. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Community contributions range from $100 through to $1.4 million, the higher end giving the investor a 45% stake in the property.

Set in the midst of the Mount Misery Habitat Reserve, the retreat was set up in 2004 by conservationists who combined privately owned property and public reserves to protect the area.

Mr Smith said he believes nature should be accessible to everyone, and has long been passionate about keeping the retreat an inclusive and safe place for all.

“We’re open to the public and we have some incredibly unique and very precious nature around here. We’ve got 700-year-old tree ferns and just incredible biodiversity,” he said.

“We have worked hard to become one of the most accessible places for differently abled people, or neurodivergent people to get to and if they turn it into a private residence, that will disappear.”

After a devastating personal tragedy meant his business partner had to leave Tasmania, Mr Smith has launched a campaign to honour and build on their shared vision.

“If this sale goes through, yet another bit of Tasmania could be lost and locked off from locals and visitors, which is why we’re launching this crowd-funding campaign,” he said.

“By securing this land, we will ensure permanent, open access for all, grounded in sustainability education, and deep respect for Country.”

Mr Smith said the project isn’t just about protecting the business, but also supporting the local tourism industry as one of the few accommodation providers in the region.

Michael Smith, co-owner of Huon Bush Retreats at Ranelagh, is fighting to save the property from being sold. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

If they can successfully save the land, Mr Smith outlined his bold plan to give back, aiming to operate as a not for profit in the future.

“The idea is to invest our profits into protecting other land, providing affordable rentals especially for seasonal workers, and providing training for neurodivergent or differently abled people to work here and elsewhere,” he said.

“We’re not just preserving a place, We’re growing a movement where nature, people and purpose thrive together.”

Mr Smith is calling on the community to continue the fight to protect the Huon Bush.

“So many people are already offering their support and doing their best they can to do, we just want people to hear what’s going on,” he said.

More details can be found on the Save Huon Bush campaign site.