THE Coalition's Eric Hutchinson's first action should he be officially named the new Lyons federal representative today will be to write to the World Heritage Committee to object to the 170,000-hectare addition of forest to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
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Mr Hutchinson looked set to romp into the rural seat at 10.30 last night after he achieved a 12.15 per cent swing towards him in primary votes, attracting 23,998 primary votes to Labor incumbent Dick Adams's 19,977.
He had the lead for the entire count and scarcely dropped below 45 per cent in first preferences as ballots from the electorate's 96 polling places were returned.
Mr Hutchinson said in his first months he would lobby against the committee's approval for a World Heritage extension as part of the Tasmanian Forest Agreement.
"We believe that they have made a mistake and the community believes that they have made a mistake," he said.
"They've erred with their own guidelines and we would put to them that their decision should be reconsidered and proper broad community consultation should take place."
Mr Hutchinson lost to Labor opponent Dick Adams in the last election.
He said the messages he and the party spread in Lyons resonated more this time than in 2010.
"I was more prepared this time and we ran a more disciplined and grassroots campaign," Mr Hutchinson said.
"We touched the things that people were most concerned about: jobs, a stronger economy and the cost of living,"
"Clearly there was a mood for a change.
"The people were clearly concerned about the direction that the Labor Party has taken and sent a message."
