THE state government will lift a long-standing cap on accommodation development in the Freycinet National Park despite a five-year overdue review of the current Freycinet National Park management plan.
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The amendment would enable the lease of an extra 5.6 hectares of public national park to the RACT, which plans to build serviced parking bays for 12 cabins and 12 hardstands, with ensuite facilities for campervans.
The facilities would form an extension of the Freycinet Lodge which was taken over by RACT from the Federal Group last year.
Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Matthew Groom said the proposed amendment to the Freycinet National Park management plan was being managed in compliance with all statutory requirements and with full public consultation.
The Freycinet National Park management plan amendment was advertised on December 19 and will be open for public comment until February 1.
The Wilderness Society has expressed concern about the government and its consultation process, claiming it is ignoring the fact that a full review of the existing management plan had not yet been completed.
"State government appears set to pervert proper process and rubber stamp a proposal to weaken basic management policies."
Greens leader Cassy O'Connor has declared that Tasmania's wilderness areas "should not be the playthings of Liberal governments and a handful of private developers".
"A proposal to double the footprint of Freycinet Lodge in to the Freycinet National Park is yet another Liberal lock-up for a selected private developer," she said.
Developers of the Lodge expansions have said there will be no visual impact, and that the site would be accessible using an existing roadway.
The project is one of six ventures that have reached stage two of the State government's expression of interest tourism process.
Also through to stage two of development is a provision of access to Freycinet Peninsula and Tasman Island by helicopter - which would involve the construction of three helipads.
A licence signed to operate has also been granted to a guided walking tour in the Freycinet National Park departing from the Freycinet Eco Retreat at Mt Paul.