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Category: Environment / Conservation / National Parks / Tourism / States and Territories

Push to expand national parks as Tasmanian landmarks celebrate 100 years

Saturday, 27 Aug 2016 10:36:02

The landmark anniversary is being marked with free entry to all parks. (Parks and Wildlife)

Conservationists are pushing the Tasmanian Government to create more national parks, as two of the state's iconic attractions mark their centenaries.

Freycinet and Mount Field National Parks are celebrating the 100 year milestone with a range of free activities and free entry over the weekend.

The Wilderness Society's Tasmanian spokesman Vica Bayley said it was time to listen to calls for national parks to be established in areas such as like the Takyna/Tarkine, the Great Western Tiers, and the north-east highlands.

"These are based on scientific and environmental principals but increasingly with knowledge of the economic, the job creation, the visitor attraction benefits that national parks give," he said.

"It's clear that we not only need to protect these parks because of their environment but because they deliver an absolutely new future for those parts of regional Tasmania."

Black and white image of Richardsons Beach Photo: Richardsons Beach at Freycinet National Park has been popular with visitors for decades. (Supplied: Parks and Wildlife)

Mr Bayley said the establishment of more national parks esd central to Tasmania's brand as a wild place.

"Tourists don't want to come to interact with log tracks, or see land use conflict over mining in incredibly sensitive areas," he said.

"They want to know that places are protected and national park is the icon that is both conservation and the very best of the best."

At Freycinet, a three-day festival includes live music, Aboriginal cultural workshops and art displays.

Families across the state made their way to Coles Bay to enjoy the celebrations.

Loic Le Guilly travelled to Wineglass Bay to capture the moonset and Milky Way in the night sky. Photo: Photographer Loic Le Guilly captured the night sky over Wineglass Bay a year ago. (Supplied: Loic Le Guilly)

Environment Minister Matthew Groom officially opened the weekend and reflected on the beauty of the area.

He said the Government was committed to its existing 19 national parks, and almost half of the state was already protected in reserves.

"In this centenary year we should be celebrating the extraordinary national park estate that we already have here in Tasmania," he said in a statement.

"The Tasmanian Government remains focused on managing the national parks that we have for their natural and cultural values while at the same time providing for new sensible tourism opportunities that showcase our world-class parks and reserves to the world."

The Greens accused the Government of trumpeting the parks as the Liberals moved to open up more areas "for commercial exploitation".

Leader Cassy O'Connor said Parks and Wildlife funding has been slashed on Mr Groom's watch.

Cape Tourville in Freycinet National Park Photo: A a walkway provides spectacular views over Cape Tourville. (Parks and Wildlife)

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