VETERAN environmentalist Bob Brown has challenged the state government to strip ‘‘wilderness’’ from the title of the Wilderness World Heritage Area if it intends to boost developments in the zone. Public consultation opens today on the government’s plan to allow more tourism activities, motorised access by water and air and small-scale visitor facilities and accommodation in the area. The 60-day period follows the release of a draft blueprint of the changes, which Mr Brown vehemently opposes. Of greatest concern to Mr Brown is the scrapping of a written pledge to protect and enhance the area’s wilderness values. Mr Brown fears the government’s plan will degrade the wilderness through ‘‘selfish land grabs’’ so that it existed in name only. ‘‘If they’re going to degrade it, to allow the white-shoe brigade in to pick the eyes out of it, then take the word out,’’ Mr Brown said. ‘‘It’s all about money and greed ... it’s not about authenticity, value or wilderness in the real sense of the word.’’ ‘‘The whole thing is shoddy – a failure of imagination – and defrauds the Tasmanian people’s efforts over decades past, including the thousands who have been arrested protecting the wilderness value of this great, globally famous international drawcard.’’ Mr Brown likened the plan to a death by a thousand cuts, saying any development of ecotourism resorts or facilities ought not be allowed inside the wilderness area. Environment Minister Matthew Groom labelled Mr Brown’s comments as extreme. ‘‘They are deliberately inflammatory and sensationalised in an attempt to create division in the community,’’ Mr Groom said. ‘‘The majority of Tasmanians understand that sensible and appropriate tourism offerings can be balanced with protection of wilderness and cultural heritage values.’’ Mr Groom said UNESCO actively encouraged managers of World Heritage Areas to promote and develop sustainable tourism, and the state and federal governments would ensure the area’s natural and cultural heritage values were protected.
VETERAN environmentalist Bob Brown has challenged the state government to strip ‘‘wilderness’’ from the title of the Wilderness World Heritage Area if it intends to boost developments in the zone.
Bob Brown
Public consultation opens today on the government’s plan to allow more tourism activities, motorised access by water and air and small-scale visitor facilities and accommodation in the area.
The 60-day period follows the release of a draft blueprint of the changes, which Mr Brown vehemently opposes.
Of greatest concern to Mr Brown is the scrapping of a written pledge to protect and enhance the area’s wilderness values.
Mr Brown fears the government’s plan will degrade the wilderness through ‘‘selfish land grabs’’ so that it existed in name only.
‘‘If they’re going to degrade it, to allow the white-shoe brigade in to pick the eyes out of it, then take the word out,’’ Mr Brown said.
‘‘It’s all about money and greed ... it’s not about authenticity, value or wilderness in the real sense of the word.’’
‘‘The whole thing is shoddy – a failure of imagination – and defrauds the Tasmanian people’s efforts over decades past, including the thousands who have been arrested protecting the wilderness value of this great, globally famous international drawcard.’’
Mr Brown likened the plan to a death by a thousand cuts, saying any development of ecotourism resorts or facilities ought not be allowed inside the wilderness area.
Environment Minister Matthew Groom labelled Mr Brown’s comments as extreme.
‘‘They are deliberately inflammatory and sensationalised in an attempt to create division in the community,’’ Mr Groom said.
‘‘The majority of Tasmanians understand that sensible and appropriate tourism offerings can be balanced with protection of wilderness and cultural heritage values.’’
Mr Groom said UNESCO actively encouraged managers of World Heritage Areas to promote and develop sustainable tourism, and the state and federal governments would ensure the area’s natural and cultural heritage values were protected.
