Legislative Council, Wednesday 22 September 2021

Ms FORREST - to DEPUTY LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs PALMER

With regard to the proposed walking and mountain bike track around the Great Lake, during the assessment process and subsequently if approved:

1. How will community concerns related to the increased risk of theft, vandalism and bushfire be addressed through the assessment process;

2. Has or will the potential impact of increased costs to shack owners i.e. rates and insurance increases been considered;

3. What impact will this proposal have on current recreational activities i.e. fishing and hunting and the ability of local residents to continue to access the lake;

4. Will the Highland Lakes and Poatina roads be improved to cope with the extra expected 20,000 to 40,000 visitors per year;

5. Who will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the track; and

6. What additional measures will be put in place to assist first responders in the event of an accident?

Answer:

I am advised that this private proposal for a walking/bike trail for yingina/The Great Lake is preliminary in nature, therefore, no formal assessment of the proposal or its anticipated impacts has commenced at this stage. Hence, I am unable to respond specifically to these questions.

As approximately 80 per cent of the proposal is on land managed by Hydro Tasmania, with 20 per cent on Parks and Wildlife Service tenure, if the proposal were to progress, Hydro Tasmania would liaise with the Proponent in consultation with Parks and Wildlife Service to determine the appropriate assessment pathways and requirements.

The proponent would be required to identify likely impacts and benefits to cultural, social and environmental values, along with an economic feasibility study. Community consultation would also be undertaken.

Concerns raised by the community, such as impacts to roads; access to the lake; maintenance and emergency response would all have to be addressed by the proponent through the public consultation and assessment process.