[ABOVE: do you want a privately run hut here?]

Around the country, protected areas are being threatened by the prospect of commercial development within parks. One of the long running issues has been a proposal to build an ‘iconic’ walk in the Tyndall Range in western lutruwita/ Tasmania.

The Tyndalls are a spectacular range which is tucked out of the way and currently in a wild condition, with no roads or other infrastructure on the range itself. However in 2019, the Tasmanian Liberals announced a plan to commit “up to $20 million … to deliver our next iconic multi-day, hut-based walk which will enhance the visitor economy throughout the entire region”. According to the proponent, the proposal includes the option of “a private walking company .. investing in the development of private lodges similar to that of Three Capes Track”. A subsequent Feasibility Study concluded that the proposed walk was only feasible if the then-budget of $20 million was doubled, which the government duly did.

Recently it has been made clear that the government intends to proceed with this controversial project.

The Tasmanian National Parks Association (TNPA) recently reported that ‘planning for the Next Iconic Walk project is well advanced and ERA Planning & Environment have one of the contracts. PWS envisage that a Reserve Activity Assessment (DPEMP) will be released for public comment early in 2024. It is then hoped that a Development Application can go to West Coast Council in mid-2024, approvals be sorted by the end of 2024, and construction start in 2025. Completion is planned in order to commence operation in 2029-30’.

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Like other environmental groups, the TNPA ‘remains of the view that the Tyndall Range is an inappropriate location for the proposed walk development and that the expenditure of the $40 million budget on other options could have benefited West Coast tourism just as much, or more’.

While the walk route and proposal has been modified over time, the proposal still has two lodge sites proposed. Overnight capacity at the lodges will be 30 walkers. Platforms at the separate campsite will accommodate an additional 20 walkers.

You can read a detailed assessment from the TNPA here.

You can read background stories on the proposal from Mountain Journal here.