For Sale - Pristine Tasmanian Wilderness

[doogs]

This whole argument makes MONAs temporary installation at Melaleuca Inlet all the more funny!

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PS. The only development in world heritage areas should be to protect the wilderness from damage by humans. These areas are not set aside to be trashed for our enjoyment.

[Nuts]

I'll take two! ha, some clever minds at work.
(Wish they could be less.. crass with the Mofo thing, think of something else. I want to take my ol mum there but don't know how to broach the subject).

There's at least two other standing camps I'm aware of. The platforms are a good idea, as much designed to limit impact as anything. Even a few can rehab a much larger camp area.
More than that though, standing camps, shelters, huts, they do become exclusive. Not just exclusive client wise but dominate any effective competition or even potentially just take money that would have been spent elsewhere (not that 'you'd' have your business manager do less..). For example on the OLT, not long ago the walk was offered with a night accommodation at either end and this was successful and a very 'suitable' time-frame for the whole travel experience. Eight days would simply not 'sell' anymore. Two points are that this isn't simply through demand for a shorter option.. (in that case) and that no matter how sincere the current operator with the most benign influence or business sense, they move on (unlike the business or precedent they leave). Is someone else disadvantaged by a standing camp, who gets to use it, will it influence camping elsewhere, will people/locals that would usually camp there be pushed away?.. if being taken away in the off season, why? wouldn't it make sense to leave it there for others, if that- might as well be a hut? (just saying.. no offence to the Lake Ina operators ..who are very likely good people! and may have a good case for a few little huts..)

[geoskid]

fs Tas garage sale

Where do I start, I've got lots on offer. Here goes I must let you know that all items are used some in very good condition, others a bit tarnished. Make an offer as I'm willing to do a deal on almost anything, actually correction everything must go!

Franklin River: bit dirty had big plans at one stage but I seemed to have lost interest in it. Just needs fresh legs to get this one going again.

Frecinet Bay/Overland Track: as the old adage goes it's 'location location location' these high volume lots are prime real estate so hurry these are selling fast. If you get in quick, you too can be a part of these Virgin Bush blocks

Frenchmans Cap: recently refurbished, got rid of the soggy bits. The cap is in good Nick, someone mentioned seeing a hole in it, even supplied photos, but no one can accurately say where it is.

Walks of Jerusalem: some call this the promised land and who am I to disagree. Close to other high profile units on offer

SW Track: renovaters delight, rising damp in various sections. I know I promised the missus that I'd give it a tidy up, a few boards and lick of paint, but you buy it and my problem is solved!

Maria Island: see above re Frec bay and the overland

Any Island: all offers considered, currently buy one get one free sale whilst stocks last

Lakes: we have lots of lakes on offer. Some are even lakes upon lakes so you get two for the price of one. Currently 40% off rrp, members discount a further 15% off, clearance stock excluded.

Western Aurthers: had been described as Gods own country. I think that's because when you are walking around there is like 'God why is this hill so steep' haa haa gee I'm funny sometimes. Huge potential here, lots of rocks ideal quarry location.

Three types of forest: State, National and WHA, though the later has caused me some heartburn of late. Actually they all have really so here is the deal. Under our loyalty program, the more you spend, you get first right of refusal on any lot. Plus that's not all, we will pay you subsidies because your business is important to us.

Other incidentals: sandstone shack in Salamanca, currently surplus to requirements. To big as a three room buildng is more in keeping with our business now days

Ya right Walkon
They are just seeking ideas, I'd suggest keeping yours under your hat here for our ENTertainment .

Edit : Geez, I'm an evil bugger am I not

[Nuts]

C'mon geoskid, can you not be ENTiced to release your inner ENT

[geoskid]

C'mon geoskid, can you not be ENTiced to release your inner ENT

Who do we hang for InvENTing the title?

[Nuts]

smells a lot like the govmENT?

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[walkon]

Oh that is lamENTable guys

[geoskid]

smells a lot like the govmENT?

Screen Shot 2014-06-24 at 8.20.37 PM.png

Ah, yes , heard about that. Seems someone mistook the word developing for selling.

Anything wrong (for example) with EcotENTs in wildern..... I mean the bush (provided they jump thru the appropriate number of hoops to ensure (ooh, nearly) the environmENTalists are satisfied.

(I'm out)

[Nuts]

I don't see much advantage over huts (portable even) but yes, they seem like a great idea.. these types of businesses, just outside the boundaries (that I thought we all agreed had a purpose). There are just so many opportunities.

At Cradle Mt the accommodation places do ok with merely a distant view of the destination, i'm sure one would love the Dove Lake carpark site.

(sorely missed- I think we need a campaign to bring back the ENT)

p.s news clip complements of a facebook feed, happy to give a reference if they prefer..

[icefest]

... Where did ent go?

[doogs]

... Where did ent go?

I'm sure he'll be licking some windows somewhere, and be back at some point.

[Nuts]

He'll have no choice, that bus must be getting awfully crowded!

[Taurë-rana]

Just wondering if the enterprise at Lake Ina now means that the rest of us are locked out? It was one of the most beautiful places you could get to by vehicle, and we had some wonderful trips in there including one Christmas when we swam in the lake on Christmas Eve and woke to snow on Christmas morning.

I spent over two years travelling round Australia in a 4WD and found that a lot of tour operators thought that anywhere that they went, they basically owned the place, including one tour operator in the Kimberley who on finding that we were camped in 'his' spot, grizzled about it not being tourist season yet and we shouldn't be there. Free country?

On the other hand I agree that there are a myriad of places in Tassie that could be developed sensitively for tourism, Lake Pedder is a place that is very underpromoted in my opinion, as well as places in the NE and Tarkine.

[headwerkn]

I am not sure these elite developments are in the interest of the society at large. Whilst they return bang for the buck for the investors, it's socially backwards. To open such an area up, it really should be affordable to as many in the society as possible, not just big spending foreign tourists. But it's true, Eco-friendliness can be expensive and those resort styled accommodations are just lovely to stay in.

I should clarify something.... the two-and-a-bit-grand (I believe) it costs for a few days out there with Dan is mostly the cost of guiding.... he'll cost you several hundred bucks a day regardless of where you are, as is typical of any highly sought-after Tassie fly fishing guide. As such, the cost of accommodation on its own isn't so bad... though yes, you can't have one without the other.

I wouldn't consider it elitist at all. A bit spendy, sure, but realistic of the costs and time involved, not to mention the considerable skills and knowledge Dan, Simone and their other guides have honed over the years. Niche? Yes, absolutely, but there's no lack of local, interstate and overseas visitors who live for that very niche. I don't think Dan has many days off, put it that way.

I don't honestly think Tasmania's economic saviour will be wealthy lawyers, businessmen and cashed up retirees flying in for a week of guided fishing throughout the Western Lakes but IT IS AN EXAMPLE of tourism development appropriate for such areas. I don't doubt there are others.... some similarly specialist, and some catering to more broader tastes and budgets - hopefully.

In all honesty, I think we should wait and see what ideas are proposed before poo-pooing the entire notion completely. Invariably there will be some utterly horrible ideas from Federal et. al. - which will be duly lambasted - but we just might see some genuinely good, implementable ideas too.

Mind you, until Hobart and Launceston figure out that some people might like to dine out after 9pm, tourism here is always going to be a bit 'special'...

If this proposal was simply about increasing access for the disabled and frail it would be totally different in my mind. For example if the Dove Lake circuit was made wheel chair friendly that would be great

I am actually curious as to why it and some other major, major attractions haven't been required to provide wheelchair-grade access yet. Perhaps not the entire circuit, but at least a section so that those with limited mobility can experience the area from angles other than the car park.

This the problem - that's the sort of thing they'll be aiming at, but with exclusive licenses to keep the riff-raff at a distance. It only makes things more accessible if you can afford to pay top dollar for the access and accommodation - for everyone else it'll be Keep Out! or do it the old fashioned way (while dodging choppers full of cashed-up bogans).

[/quote]

Half the problem is that it's only the pointy end of the tourism market that's been making reliable money over the past 5 or so years. It's the reason Federal spent millions on Saffire but sold out of Strahan Village. Strange that in the aftermath of the GFC they can book out 20-odd suites at $2K a night yet struggle to do the same with ~$200, but if that's the reality of the marketplace then it is hard to criticise operators for doing what works.

Anyway.... clearly we (cheapskate bushwalkers) are not the target market. I'd rather spend the $2K on gear

[headwerkn]

Just wondering if the enterprise at Lake Ina now means that the rest of us are locked out? It was one of the most beautiful places you could get to by vehicle, and we had some wonderful trips in there including one Christmas when we swam in the lake on Christmas Eve and woke to snow on Christmas morning.

No one's locked out from accessing the lake, but the Skullbones Plains access road is blocked off about 11km before you reach the lake. Unless you can get hold of a key (of which access is supposedly available once you sign an insurance waiver) you have to hike in... of which there are numerous options.

To be fair, access to Ina prior to TAC ownership was a bit dicey too... various gates that could be locked or unlocked without notice, and myriad back tracks that could get you round them if you knew where you were going.... most of which are now blocked, incidentally though last time I was there I noticed someone had found a way around both the boom gate and the metre-deep trenches surrounding it.

As for whether or not other tourism operators are now locked out from that area, I know not...

On the other hand I agree that there are a myriad of places in Tassie that could be developed sensitively for tourism, Lake Pedder is a place that is very underpromoted in my opinion, as well as places in the NE and Tarkine.

Strathgordon, definitely, could do with rejuvenation.... last time I was there (years ago) it was pretty miserable and boring... It has potential as a 'gateway' to other areas in the WHA, such as the Gordon River.

Cheers, Ben.

[Swifty]

I can't see anything coming of this. If I wanted to open a profitable tourism-based business, the Tasmanian wilderness would be the last place I would go. There are so many other warmer and tropical places with beaches in Qld. Many of you will be too young to remember that Lake Pedder was supposed to be a wonderful tourist destination after the innundation in the '70's. (Who remembers Ashton's "B..b..b..beautiful Blue Lake" comment?) Well look at it now - Strathgordon aint exactly booming. West Coast Railway needing to be propped up. So if I were a businessman (which I'm not, by the way) I wouldn't touch the SW with a barge pole! As long as the Tasmanian taxpayer isn't called on for subsidies (poor you!), the wilderness seems safe from development to me.

[Nuts]

I doubt there will be any economic new-age. At the same time those few supporters given exclusive rights to access will likely do very well indeed.
Especially so when an alternate government then proposes 'no new development in NP's or WHA'. See which supporters have the epiphany then.

[Tasallan]

If done correctly why not? For example Cradle Huts have 5 overnight accommodation huts on the Overland Track, have been there for years and no one knows they are there. Pumphouse Point is another prime example of what can be done in a NP. More developments like these two examples will still leave our Parks in pristine condition for our children and grand children.

[Nuts]

I'm trying to get my head around 'done correctly'. What? buildings, progress, real estate, personal wealth, wilderness?

[GPSGuided]

Mind you, until Hobart and Launceston figure out that some people might like to dine out after 9pm, tourism here is always going to be a bit 'special'...

That's very true. Reminded me of Sydney of 30 years ago. Yet again, I've had similar problems in cities like greater LA where finding food after 9pm can be a challenge.

[Nuts]

Harry's Pies and Peas Cafe de Wheels, always been there, open all night.
Unique.

[icefest]

Harry's Pies and Peas Cafe de Wheels, always been there, open all night.
Unique.

Never been there but that name reminds me of other things:

"selling this at such a low price that it's cutting me own throat"

[Ent]

... Where did ent go?

I'm sure he'll be licking some windows somewhere, and be back at some point.

I always find it interesting when we are told by the gods of political correctness that tourism is Tasmania's future by taking advantage of (exploiting?) our natural heritage values to attract the city folk and then to see any attempt at such developments trashed by them.

For the record I have a strong distrust of tourism. It often results in seasonal, and often low paid jobs that do not allow employees to build lives and buy houses. It destroys villages and towns in scenic places sense of community by forcing locals out with their family homes to be used for tourists. Seen this first hand at Stanley that went from an active community to a dead tourist Mecca abandoned in winter. With the population forced to Forest by over inflated house prices. Infrastructure then having to be built for peak summer demand only to sit under used in winter. Same in south of France and creating growing social unrest in Turkey.

Frankly, personally I like the idea of discouraging tourism as generally in Tasmania we do it so badly. Long for the days of old when I could walk unmolested by Parks and Wildlife fees traversing well maintained Forestry and Hydro Roads to use tracks cut by locals to get to spots no overused by tourists. Arh yes, the good old days.

So for those that worship at the alter of tourism do not see me as a convert. Frankly, I would support the removal of all tourism from National Parks, and if that is not politically possible, charge visitors from elsewhere full cost recovery fees.

As for the pristine hogwash, I grow tired of people that have no idea of the history of areas. I walk on old log skidder routes noticing the stumps with steps cut into them yet others with eyes closed by religious fever call this pristine.

Go forth and seek converts to tourism my green friends but at the end of the day it is a god with feet of clay. Entertaining as it is to read people thinking that they know my views you will find me non supportive of tourism in general. I recommend people listen to a song by a well known Irish based singer called "Tourist attraction" as it summaries neatly my views.

As been said "see paradise and they put up a parking lot".

Cheers

[Overlandman]

If they land at Dove Lake, you could do away with the car & bus links for the Overland Track. You could also do away with the ferry if they docked at Narcissus.

From ABC News.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-29/s ... ld/5557330

Tasmania's remote wilderness areas will become more accessible with the State Government extending a local seaplane company's licence.

The Government will now push ahead with plans to open up Tasmania's national parks and World Heritage Area to low-impact tourism development.

The move was announced during the March election campaign and earlier in June the Government called for expressions of interest from investors and tourism operators.

The Hobart-based seaplane company had been in a trial for the past two years, flying to the Southwest and Freycinet national parks and Recherche Bay.

Parks Tasmania surveyed non-seaplane visitors to gauge the impact of the trial, and the Government has now extended the operator's licence.

Environment Minister Matthew Groom said the trial showed the flights did not negatively impact on the environmental.

"We feel very confident that this is environmentally responsible," he said.

"We think the operators have indicated a great respect for the natural environment, making sure they're doing it responsibly, so that's the basis on which we've extended the licence, further developing our reputation as the environmental tourism capital of the world."

Company spokesman Will Barbour was also optimistic about the expansion.

"We see the announcement as a vote of confidence by the Government in our responsible operations," he said.

The company was also given permission to trial flights between Hobart and Lake St Clair for 12 months.

Premier Will Hodgman believed allowing development in or near national parks would boost tourist numbers and the economy.

"We're serious about unlocking Tasmania's potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"Our tourism industry is one of our core competitive strengths and the Liberal Government's right behind boosting it even further and that means new attractions."

The Government said normal planning safeguards would apply, but environmentalists have expressed concern about the move.

They feared developments would not be restricted to eco-tourism ventures and will turn into an "open season" for developers.

[north-north-west]

Frankly, personally I like the idea of discouraging tourism as generally in Tasmania we do it so badly.

Oh yeah! Whereas - as history shows - we're terrific at damage, destruction and extinction (Aborigines, Thylacines, Dams, deforestation, etc), so let's just stick with what we know and bugger the consequences for the natural environment or future generations.

[stepbystep]

Frankly, personally I like the idea of discouraging tourism as generally in Tasmania we do it so badly.

Oh yeah! Whereas - as history shows - we're terrific at damage, destruction and extinction (Aborigines, Thylacines, Dams, deforestation, etc), so let's just stick with what we know and bugger the consequences for the natural environment or future generations.

+1 - Ent's re-emergence was, Entlike....hope he doesn't travel anywhere and upset the locals.

[Nuts]

Haha, he is lurking

So for those that worship at the alter of tourism do not see me as a convert. Frankly, I would support the removal of all tourism from National Parks, and if that is not politically possible, charge visitors from elsewhere full cost recovery fees.

If it was a choice for 'none' or 'open season' i'm on your side. Outside of political motivations and those who take note when there is a $ to be made, there is no justification for increasing infrastructure inside national parks, none. Why can't they just be satisfied clacking on about the failure of previous governments to properly develop existing facilities and infrastructure... none of which are ever at capacity outside a few glorious months of summer..

This future direction, to me, has potentially far more devastating consequences than other recent events. Yet squabbling over boundaries or blaming miners for - wanting to mine stuff, even some of those who should be concerned just aren't.

C'mon, I mean new developments weren't proposed by the park service were they! (ie. sound management direction, conservation at the forefront of planning.. )
And it's hardly free enterprise, the service in effect holds the majority share. Who really thinks they are capable or who even wants the park service as a 'developer' and burdened by an increasing need to be a money manager (with all the possibilities for nepotism, bungling, corruption.. even.. that (news flash) are still rife in Tassie...)

And even if in the short term no harm is done the precedent is enough (driven by those with NO interest in wilderness). Take a look at the Vic parks tourism strategy and the precedents mentioned there..

For those that don't see a problem with project X - these projects are insidious, one by one- what about project Z in a place you Do care about?
Politically motivated, short-sighted 'visions' with consequences crossing park boundaries disgust me. Parks don't need pollies! (all together now.. __ __ ___)

[Overlandman]

From ABC News

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-01/e ... ia/5932342

A new environmental battle is looming in Tasmania as the state opens up untouched areas for eco-tourism.

The Hodgman Government wants tourism operators to take advantage of development opportunities inside national parks and World Heritage Areas.

It has received 37 proposals, including one from operator Ian Johnstone to build permanent hut-style accommodation along the South Coast Track bushwalking route, 110 kilometres from Hobart.

He believes he can increase the numbers walking the track by between 1000 and 1500 people each year.

Currently, to do the seven-day walk, which is known for its rugged coastline, boat crossings and pristine forest, tourists must be self sufficient and carry a heavy pack including all of their own supplies.

"People that are coming and walking in the South Coast Track, are really the young, the fit and the very strong, who are happy to carry a heavy pack which means a lot of the population really can't experience it," Mr Johnstone said.

"By being able to introduce a walk with accommodation it means that you only carry a much lighter pack.

"You've got guides to look after your welfare and to help with meals and so forth and it offers a softer option for people to explore and enjoy this magnificent track."

Mr Johnstone's company runs a similar walk on the former convict settlement of Maria Island on the east coast of Tasmania.
He said although tourism development in sensitive wilderness areas has been possible, the hurdles to new proposals were almost insurmountable.

"You could say it was pretty well impossible," Mr Johnstone said.

"Just for the Three Capes project that the Federal and State Government has been behind, it took a number of years for the management plan there to go through the EPA and the various approval processes.

"For a single operator to try and do that with their own effort is really overwhelming."
Eco-tourism plan a 'game changer' for economy

Liberal Premier Will Hodgman is calling the eco-tourism push an economic game changer for Tasmania's job-starved economy.

It could lead to resorts, cruises, helicopter flights and adventure sport tours.

"We are looking after our precious natural areas but we're also going to use them to increase the number of tourists that come to this state, to grow our economy, to leverage off what is one of our great competitive advantages," Mr Hodgman said.

However, Greens leader Christine Milne is warning mass protests will follow if development goes ahead in World Heritage Areas and national parks.

"Once again Tasmania will be an environmental battleground if Tony Abbott and Will Hodgman have their way of showing a complete disrespect for the fact that parks and World Heritage Areas are set up to look after nature and they are there to degrade nature," she said.

Ms Milne argued that after the Abbott and Hodgman Governments attempted to log World Heritage forests they lack credibility when it comes to overseeing responsible development.

"I have zero trust in Tony Abbott or Will Hodgman to do anything sensitive when it comes to Tasmanian wilderness World Heritage Areas," she said.

"It's all about a quick buck. How can you get a quick buck and it doesn't matter if it destroys it into the long term?

"Once you start slapping in roads, once you start building resorts you are in real trouble in World Heritage Areas."
Business investment is basically not welcomed: Dick Smith

But entrepreneur Dick Smith said the pendulum has swung too far against development in Tasmania.

He had an eco-lodge proposal on private land knocked back seven years ago and tells his business contacts not to invest in the state.

"It's a very frustrating place to try and invest and business investment is basically not welcomed," he said.

"I go to New Zealand and they allow quite a lot of commercial activities in their national parks but it's very well done.

"You don't think it damages the park and I think that's how it should be done.

"Tasmania's this wonderful place, most of my friends have never been here and I just can't believe you have economic problems because you don't understand, this is the place for eco-tourism."

The other 36 development proposals will remain confidential while they are assessed by a panel appointed by the State Government.

[GPSGuided]

Yes, saw that segment last night on TV. Mixed feeling on it. So much depends on the detail in the planning and execution. Hard to be categorical.

[dplanet]

Locking it up so that the fit can do and opening it up to 5 star hotels along the track? A good balance approach is needed.