The government announced the funding would be provided to Forestry Tasmania under the Community Service Obligation fund after Forestry Tasmania did not have the road repairs listed as a priority due to their harvesting schedule.

Lake River Road is the only access to the Big Den hunting area and needs two log culverts to be repaired, one at Flash Charlies Creek, along with the replacement of twin pipes at Top Den Creek.

The ballot allocates access to the Big Den for the full deer season from late February to April, and on an intermittent basis through to July for the antlerless season.

Hunters who are successful in the ballot will be notified prior to Christmas.