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GREENS leader Kim Booth has thrown his support behind a redevelopment of Cataract Gorge.
The 15-year Launceston City Council, state government and Northern Tasmanian Tourism initiative will see up to $5 million spent on improving the Gorge’s image and facilities for future generations.
The council has said it had no specific plans for the redevelopment at this stage and has reached out to the public for suggestions.
A three-day public consultation meeting for business stakeholders only will be held at Aurora Stadium starting tomorrow.
The project has so far been received well by business and recreational stakeholders, but has drawn a mixed reaction from readers on The Examiner’s website.
Mr Booth believes the Gorge could be better environmentally managed, however he has spoken out against ‘‘inappropriate development’’.
‘‘Anyone can built a theme park, but the Gorge is unique and must be protected for all rather than parcelled up as a theme park for private development to the commercial benefit of a few,’’ he said.
‘‘Restoration of Gorge water flows would be of enormous benefit to the Tamar River with better flushing of the Yacht Basin. Now that the divisive and controversial pulp mill is dead, there is no excuse to hold back the publicly-paid-for Meander Dam environmental flows, which, incredibly, are halted at Trevallyn Dam.’’
Mr Booth said he had heard mixed views surrounding the project and believes the concerns are valid.
‘‘I am aware of a range of views held within the local community about redevelopment of the Gorge, and urge that while genuine public consultation is a great start and an absolute must, special attention needs to be taken of input from those whom have worked so hard, and invested much time and resources, to protect the area from inappropriate development and visual scarring.’’
