The potential heritage-listing of a 1950s hut on Halls Island won't impede a controversial private tourism development proposed for Lake Malbena, the proponent says.
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The hut - located in the famed Walls of Jerusalem National Park - was built about 1954 by Reg Hall.
Halls Island was leased to ecotourism business Wild Drake in 2018. The hut itself is owned by the business, with a separate private domestic lease being granted for the site of the building.
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The commercial lease of the island, issued in anticipation of the proposed luxury standing camp, is currently worth $1050.63 per annum.
Wild Drake operator Daniel Hackett said he and his partner Simone Hackett were "excited" about the possible heritage-listing of "our historic hut".
"For some years we've been working on collating the important history of Hall's Hut as part of the story of recreation in, and founding of, the Walls of Jerusalem National Park," Mr Hackett said.
"Our work has included a significant donation of historical relics to the [Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery] so that all Tasmanians can access the history of the [national park].
"The proposed listing shows that the private Hall's Hut is one of the most important huts in the [Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area]. As custodians we will use income from the standing camp to assist in covering the significant maintenance and upkeep of our historic hut, which is available for no-cost public visitation by simply contacting us.
"The standing camp is not located within the proposed historic envelope, and is not visible from the historic hut."
Greens leader Cassy O'Connor said the hut was a "heritage jewel that deserves protection".
"Reg Hall's hut tells a personal tale of one man's intimate connection with the [TWWHA]," she said.
"Mr Hackett's comments about the heritage survey speak volumes. They will allay no public fears."
A Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Department spokesperson said a draft provisional listing for the hut would be considered at the Tasmanian Heritage Council's next meeting on June 16.
Reg Hall's hut doesn't belong to this developer. Just like the TWWHA it is part of, it belongs to the people of Tasmania, in perpetuity.
- Cassy O'Connor, Greens leader
"Any provisional listing would likely focus on the preservation of the hut itself and its immediate surrounds," the spokesperson said.
The standing camp Wild Drake intends to build on Halls Island would include four demountable huts and access via helicopter flights running up to 60 days per year.
The Hacketts' proposal is seen by conservationists as a canary in the coalmine for increasing encroachment on the state's wilderness areas, facilitated by the expression of interest process for developments in national parks and reserves - a signature policy of the state Liberal government.
The project still requires approval from the Commonwealth government and is being assessed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
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