Privatisation of Tasmania's Parks, Reserves & World Heritage Wilderness A Cert Under Major Projects Bill

• Latest iteration of Major Projects Bill still allows Lake Malbena to be declared ‘major project’
• Tasmania’s national parks, reserves & World Heritage wilderness eligible for major projects too
• Giving Planning Minister unprecedented powers puts more politics into planning process 

“The criteria which determine whether a project can be declared a major project remain vague enough to potentially include the Lake Malbena proposal and other tourism EOI proposals, despite what the Planning Minister may claim,” said Tom Allen for the Wilderness Society Tasmania.

“With the Bill one step closer to becoming law, Tasmania's National Parks, reserves and World Heritage wilderness remain eligible for major projects. Why would you make national parks eligible unless you wanted to develop them?

“Last week, when ABC Hobart radio host Leon Compton asked Tasmania's Planning Minister Roger Jaensch if the legislation would be used for developments in national parks, he failed to deny it would. Until it's a “no”, Tasmanians should assume it’s a “yes”.  

“If it became law, the Act would give the Minister sweeping powers to declare pretty much any planning proposal a major project. In that regard, the Bill fails to meet its stated objective of taking the politics out of planning,” said Mr Allen. 

For comment: Tom Allen, 0434 614 323