Environmentalists claim tougher action needed on four wheel drive access

 Environmentalists claim tougher action eded on four wheel drive access

Arthur Pieman Conservation Area

Environmentalists in Tasmania say they have been shut out of negotiations over four-wheel drive access in the Arthur Pieman Conservation Area.
The Parks Minister David O'Byrne recently announced new licensing rules for off-road vehicles in the west coast wilderness area.
But Peter McGlone from the Conservation Trust says the Government is avoiding the big issues, like limiting access to areas providing nesting habitat for threatened species.

Arthur Pieman Conservation Area

"There are many beaches and many tracks where the minister must close vehicle access," he said.
The Minister has met four-wheel drive groups several times in recent months, but Mr McGlone says all other stakeholders have been sidelined. "Clearly they've come up with a licensing system which suits the four-wheel drivers and we never got a chance to have any input into that," he said.
"He hasn't even followed through on a promise to tell us in writing what the consultation process would be. We find that absolutely extraordinary and unworkable."
In April, Parks and Wildlife released a draft plan to reduce the impact of off-road vehicles in the Arthur Pieman Conservation Area.
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