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| Consultation - Bay of Fires BoundariesIn March 2009, the Tasmanian Premier, David Bartlett, announced the State Government’s intention to establish a national park in the Bay of Fires area.
A project team was set up in the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment to scope issues and options associated with developing a national park.
The State Government is embarking on a public consultation process to garner feedback on the proposed boundaries.
The period for public comment runs from 16 October 2009 to 27 November 2009.
Public meetings and information sessions
The Bay of Fires on Tasmania’s east coast extends from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north. The name was given to the area by Captain Tobias Furneaux, in 1773, when he noticed numerous fires along the coast.
The northern section of the Bay of Fires, from north of the outlet of Ansons Bay to Eddystone Point is within the Mt William National Park. The middle section of the Bay of Fires is in the vicinity of Ansons Bay. The southern section of The Bay of Fires is in the Conservation Area, situated along a 13 kilometre stretch of coast between Binalong Bay and The Gardens.
| Name | Class | Area (ha) | | Mount William National Park | National Park | 18,687 | | Bay of Fires Conservation Area | Conservation Area | 3,456 | | Ansons Bay Conservation Area | Conservation Area | 102 | | Mount Pearson State Reserve | State Reserve | 4,594 | | Humbug Point Nature Recreation Area | Nature Recreation Area | 1,571 | | Eddystone Point Lighthouse Historic Site | Historic Site | 14 | | Mount William Conservation Area | Conservation Area | 14 | | Doctors Peak Forest Reserve | Forest Reserve | 3,040 |
There are three in the 7,410 ha area: Mount Pearson State Reserve (4,594 ha); part of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area (2,802 ha); and a Crown Land parcel (totalling 14 ha).
A request for Tender was sent to six consultants, four of which were based within the State. Tasmanian consultants, Pitt and Sherry, successfully tendered for the public consultation process.
The process will involve workshops and information sessions for stakeholders and the general public. The sessions will be published on this website as soon as details are finalised.
Land in the Bay of Fires region is of particular importance to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. It encompasses Aboriginal heritage associated with the community’s cultural linkages with the land both pre and post-European contact.
The State Government has already established a separate process to address Tasmanian Aboriginal community interests in this region, particularly Mount William National Park. The Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Michelle O’Byrne, has carriage of this process.
The Minister for Primary Industries and Water is responsible for the process and the declaration of the national park under the Nature Conservation Act 2002.
The option presented excludes areas such as the Ansons Bay Conservation Area and the Bay of Fires Conservation area south of the Gardens. This option would provide enhanced protection for coastal dunes and associated plants and animals north of the Gardens.
The area between the Gardens south to Binalong Bay has not been included in recognition of the traditional recreational uses of the area that would be inconsistent with a national park.
If the proposed national park option was approved, normal national park fees would only apply to the new park. Revenue generated to provide for the provision and maintenance of visitor facilities and services.
The State Government would negotiate licence issues with private companies who hold licences in affected areas prior to finalising a boundary decision for the proposed national park.
No private freehold land will be acquired for the establishment of this national park.
Parks and Wildlife (like all government) has been managing a challenging budget task but still it has continued to protect, present and manage the State’s unique reserve system for the future enjoyment of Tasmanians and visitors alike. A new national park would be managed accordingly. Ongoing management, including resourcing, will be addressed following the consultation process.
A picture of the map appears on this page. A larger version (PDF document) is attached below. Or contact the consultants for a copy.
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The public consultation process is being run by Tasmanian consultants, Pitt and Sherry. The process will include workshops and information sessions for interested parties and the general public.
Comments on the national park proposal can be sent to:
Contact: Pitt and SherryCatherine Nicholson
Pitt and Sherry
GPO Box 94
HOBART TAS 7001
Email: cnicholson@pittsh.com.au
The period for public comment runs from 16 October 2009 to 27 November 2009.
At present the following information sessions have been confirmed:
| 10.00 am - 12 pm | Break O'Day Council Chambers (Meeting with councillors) | | 2.30 pm - 5.30 pm | St Helens Marine Rescue Building (Business, community and sporting groups are invited to attend) |
| 10 am - 12.30 pm | St Helens Marine Rescue Building (Environmental groups are invited to attend) | | 2 pm - 4.30 pm | St Helen Marine Rescue Building (Shack owners are invited to attend) | | 2.30 pm - 5.30 pm | St Helens Marine Rescue Building (Drop in session) |
| 12 pm - 3pm | Service Tasmania, Macquarie Street, Hobart (Drop in session) |
| 12 pm - 3pm | Reception room, Pitt & Sherry offices, 4th floor, 113 Cimitiere St, Launceston (Drop in session)
(Note: date and venue for Launceston session has been changed) |
For further information contact Pitt and Sherry, telephone (03) 6323 1943, email cnicholson@pittsh.com.au.
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