Environment Minister Matthew Groom has dismissed calls for more of Tasmania’s forest areas to be protected as the state celebrates 100 years of national parks.
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With celebrations being held across the state this weekend to mark the centenary, The Wilderness Society renewed the call for forestry areas in the Tarkine, the Great Western Tiers and North East Highlands to be awarded national park status.
Wilderness Society spokesman Vica Bayley said the centenary was the perfect time to “unlock the potential of new national parks in Tasmania”.
“National parks protect outstanding natural and cultural values and give Tasmania a priceless identity that sets us apart from many other parts of the world,” Mr Bayley said.
“Given both government and conservationists agree on these benefits, it’s perplexing to have a government hostile to creating new conservation icons.”
Minister Groom refused to be drawn into talk of new national parks, saying the government would continue to focus on managing and promoting its current quota of reserves.
“In this centenary year we should be celebrating the extraordinary national park estate that we already have here in Tasmania,” Mr Groom said.
“With 19 national parks and almost 50 per cent of the state protected in reserves we are already the envy of the world.”
