Environment
Hall’s hut is visible in the photo, to the left of the white tree stump.
Hall’s Island and the surrounding Lake Malbena are still under threat from commercial development. The Club has written to the Federal Minister for the Environment, Tanya Plibersek, strongly urging protection of this area, which is right next to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.
The Club has long been vigilant in support of wild places, and has acted as a voice for the community to call for the protection of Tasmania’s most beautiful places for future generations.
An original mission statement of the Hobart Walking Club in 1929 was “To preserve and protect the natural environment”. Club officials and members have been instrumental in the declaration of early reserves and national parks – see HWC_Environment_Achievements.
The tragic flooding of Lake Pedder in 1972 made many people more aware of the need to protect the environment. Resentment at the loss of Lake Pedder fuelled the enormous groundswell of protest that overturned the plan to dam the Franklin River.
Since that time, the Club has regularly engaged with government bodies to call for the protection of areas important to us and to the wider bushwalking community.
Recent activity by the Environment Committee on behalf of the Club includes:
- contribution to the Maria Island NP Management Plan 2021
- submission opposing the Mt Wellington Cableway Development Application 2021
- submission opposing the Cradle Mountain Cableway (now abandoned)
- ongoing input about the Walker Registration System operated by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
- submission opposing the Revised Halls Island - Lake Malbena Development Proposal
- contribution to the Draft Wellington Park Visitor and Information Strategy
- opposition to an Application by the Kentish Rifle Club for a shooting range at Mount Maggs (the Application was declined).
