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A previously off-limits natural World Heritage site has been opened up for development as Tasmania’s state government moves to bring more tourists to the area.
The 1.58 million hectare (6,100sq miles) Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) will be opened up for development under a recently-released draft management plan.
The state has said the change will be limited to sensible development in small areas, but conservationists have argued the new plan will enable big incursions to the area in the form of roads, visitor attractions and major hotels.
"We must make it easier for visitors and locals to access our wilderness areas and make the most of these natural experiences," said Tasmania premier, Will Hodgman.
In the draft document, more than 90 per cent of the areas zoned as “wilderness” have been renamed as “remote recreation”, opening up the area for development.
"By abandoning wilderness, the government attacks the very thing that makes Tasmania different, special and attractive to so many people around the world," said Vica Bayley of The Wilderness Society, speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald.
But while some rigorously oppose the plan, others are in favour of development.
"It basically said nothing could happen," said Tourism Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin, who added that the wilderness zone was obstructive.
The plan also provides potential for new landing sites and float planes, making the more remote areas of TWWHA more easily accessible. In addition, up to 25,000 acres (39sq miles) of land would be opened up for limited logging to acquire specialty timbers.
Tasmanian Aborigines would be given prominent space in the draft, with the TWWHA also potentially renamed to be recognisable alongside other Australian natural icons such as Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kakadu. The government will also increase recognition of the area's cultural heritage, which dates back to the ice age.
The draft will require federal government approval and will be open for public comment in late March.
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