The federal government's pledge to fund the flawed Three Capes proposal should be spent on much needed improvements to existing tracks in the Tasman National Park and elsewhere, Greens Leader Bob Brown said in Hobart today.

"The state of tracks in Tasmania's national parks, including the Tasman National Park, is way behind, for example, the standards in New Zealand.

Track building provides much needed employment and also opens up parks so people can appreciate these beautiful areas," Senator Brown said.

"Local residents and environmental groups have come up with a plan to put the private accommodation hubs on the edge of the park where they can be serviced easily by roads and not endanger the unique values of the Tasman's plant and animal life. That means much cheaper servicing costs and more involvement of local businesses.

"This is a win-win solution. The park gets a much needed upgrade for its tracks and facilities and the local community benefits directly from increased tourism.

"Any expansion of the existing park's tracks needs a thorough environmental appraisal before work begins. There is a serious risk that the root rot, Phytophthora cinnamomi, could escape into the park which would be a very destructive outcome.

Senator Brown released a letter to the federal government, sent last week, backing the local residents' plan to relocate buildings proposed for the Three Capes walk to site adjacent to the national park.

Marion Rae

Director of Media/Senior Media Adviser

Senator Bob Brown | Leader of the Australian Greens Suite SG-112 Parliament House, Canberra ACT

P: 02 6277 3577 | M: 0438 376 082| F: 02 6277 3185

http://bob-brown.greensmps.org.au/