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National Parks


Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Murky Parks Privatisation in Freycinet National Park

The Liberal Government appears to have not learnt a thing from years of turmoil stirred up by the toxic privatisation of parks policy.

Vica Bayley MP  |  Media Release  |  13 Sep 2023


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Wild Drake's Non Response to Thousands of Tasmanians

Wild Drake Pty Ltd’s wannabe heli-tourism proponent has delivered yet another insult to the intelligence of reasonable, wilderness loving Tasmanians

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Apr 2023


Aboriginal Flag

kooparoona niara - Aboriginal National Park

In March last year the Aboriginal Land Council formally claimed ownership of the kooparoona niara-Great Western Tiers area.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  27 Oct 2022


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Wilderness Defenders Will Never Give Up on Lake Malbena

Overwhelmingly, Tasmanians don’t support privatisation of protected areas and they reject what this opportunist developer is offering.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  21 Sep 2022


Failed Parks Policy Needs to be Thrown on the Scrapheap

2673 Tasmanians have signed a petition from the Wilderness Guides Association to stop the commercial exploitation of national parks, reserves and the TWWHA.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  17 Aug 2022


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Estimates Reply - Petrusma

Today I will mostly focus on the Parks area of minister Petrusma's multiple portfolios.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  15 Jun 2022


Aboriginal Flag

Greens Move to Disallow kooparoona niara Proclamation

The path to reconciliation has been slow, painful and full of disappointment for Aboriginal Tasmanians.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  16 Jun 2022


Lower Chasm Falls, Smoko Creek, in the Great Western Tiers, Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

Liberals Finally Move to Inadequately Protect Threatened Forests inside TWWHA

A decade after the TFA was signed and the TWWHA extended under the Labor Green government, the Liberals have moved to formally protect forests inside the TWWHA.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  2 Jun 2022


House of Assembly, Tasmania

Liberal Leadership Renewal an Opportunity for a Reset

On behalf of the Greens, I warmly congratulate Jeremy Rockliff on becoming Tasmania’s 47th Premier and Michael Ferguson on his elevation to Deputy Premier.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  8 Apr 2022


Liberals Must Rule Out Public Money to Experience Co’s South Coast Track Luxury Development

Experience Co, has confirmed a draft Reserve Activity Assessment to develop five star luxury lodges along the South Coast Track has been submitted to Parks.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  10 Mar 2022


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Petrusma Labels TWWHA Cultural Assessment ‘Impractical and Unnecessary’

The Liberals are running roughshod over the wishes of UNESCO and any spirit of consensus building with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  3 Mar 2022


Public Meeting, Town Hall

Greens, Conservationists Ready to Fight Privatisation of South Coast Track

To privitise and sanitise the South Coast Track would destroy its integrity and the increasingly rare experience of wild-ness.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  24 Feb 2022


Franklin River, Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

Olegas Truchanas’ Legacy Lives On

On 6 January 1972, world renowned photographer, Olegas Truchanas, died on the Franklin River in the wilderness he so loved.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  6 Jan 2022


kunanyi / Mount Wellington

Barnett Confirms Plan to Lock Up Tasmanians Protesting to Protect Wilderness

In Estimates today, Guy Barnett, confirmed the reworked anti-protest laws will capture all those protesting against developments in public protected areas.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  9 Sep 2021


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Parks’ Assessment Changes an Admission of Liberals’ EOI Failure

The Liberals’ announcement today, about changes to the Reserve Activity Assessments in national parks and reserves, is a good first step.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  9 Sep 2021


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Greens Table Legislation to Improve Transparency on Public Protected Areas

​​​​​​​The Greens tabled the Right to Information (Public Protected Areas) Amendment Bill 2021 in Parliament today.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Jul 2021


Lake St Claire, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Central Highlands, Tasmania

Greens' Plan to Better Protect Parks and Promote Sustainable Tourism

Lutruwita/Tasmania’s world class national parks and reserves are under threat from a Liberal Government that can only see the dollar signs they bring in. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Apr 2021


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Liberals and Labor Back Secretive Wilderness Destruction

Revelations there are 60 Expressions of Interest for tourist developments in public protected areas will shock many.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  13 Apr 2021


Protest, Climate Emergency

Greens Welcome Defeat of Draconian Anti-Protest Laws

The right to peaceful protest remains protected in Tasmania, following defeat of the Liberals’ draconian, unconstitutional anti-protest amendment Bill.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  25 Mar 2021


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Leaked DPIPWE Letter Confirms Anti-Protest Laws Designed to Crack Down on National Parks Protests

Leaked correspondence from February 2019 between then DPIPWE Secretary, John Whittington, to then Justice Secretary, Kathrine Morgan-Wicks makes clear the start

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  24 Mar 2021


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Jaensch Can’t Stay Silent on Lake Malbena Lease

On 19 January 2018, just before the last State Election, the Liberals secretly signed off on the leases over Reg Hall’s hut and the entirety of Halls Island.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  4 Mar 2021


Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Tasmania

Greens Table Petition to Protect Parks

The Greens today proudly tabled a petition signed by nearly 2,000 people to protect Tasmania’s National Parks and Reserves from privatisation.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  15 Oct 2020


Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Has Roger Jaensch Backflipped on Parks Review?

Former Premier and Parks Minister, Will Hodgman, claimed the Reserve Activity Assessment (RAA) process was ‘under review’. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  23 Sep 2020


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Auditor General Confirms Corrupted EOI Process for Development in Protected Areas

The Auditor-General’s Report into the Expressions of Interest process for Tourism Investment Opportunities is a damning assessment of the EOI and RAA process.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  22 Sep 2020


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Lake Malbena EPBC Assessment a Reprieve for the Wilderness

The Federal Environment Minister’s determination that the Lake Malbena luxury helicopter tourism development warrants a formal assessment is welcome. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  17 Sep 2020


Bushfire, Active Blaze

Jaensch Leaves Parks' Tanks Half Full, Unprepared for Bushfire

Tasmanians will be left feeling disturbed after Minister Jaensch confirmed Parks and Wildlife's current vehicle fleet is unfit for fighting bushfires. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  17 Sep 2020


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Wilderness Defenders Will Never Give Up on Lake Malbena

The development at Halls Island in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park is a travesty of proper process.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  28 Jul 2020


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Hapless DPIPWE Secretary Reduced to Pleas for Departmental Loyalty

DPIPWE Secretary, Tim Baker, has been reduced to begging disaffected staff to show loyalty to Parks Manager, Jason Jacobi.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  24 Jul 2020


Fallow Deer

Fallow Deer Goal Must Be Eradication

Any move by Minister Barnett to commercialise the use of deer meat must have eradication of feral deer from the landscape as its goal.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  10 Jun 2020


Franklin River, Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

Unlocking of Green Spaces Welcome

The Greens welcome the Premier’s announcement that Tasmania’s green spaces will be open to locals from this coming Monday. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  8 May 2020


Fallow Deer

Liberals' Feral Deer Mismanagement a Growing Threat

Tasmania’s feral deer numbers are increasing due to State Government policy that encourages population growth.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Apr 2020


Halls Island on Lake Malbena, Walls of Jerusalem Nationa Park, Tasmania

Illegal Clearing in TWWHA Must Be Investigated

The illegal tracking cutting on the shores of Lake Malbena in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park and adjoining lakes is a scandal and a crime against nature.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  17 Jan 2020


Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Tasmania

Liberals' Blatant EOI Greenwash Attempt

The Hodgman Government are spending $40 000 of public funds on this study to try to take the heat out of their privatisation of public protected areas.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  12 Dec 2019


Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Tasmania

Another Opaque EOI Proposal, More Public Funds

The Greens questioned Parks Minister Gutwein about another secretive EOI project in a protected area and the apparent expenditure of public monies to enable it.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  3 Dec 2019


Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Record National Parks Visitors Reinforce Need to Protect Wilderness Values

While being able to share our protected areas with visitors is a positive, the Liberals’ ever increasing growth model puts them at risk. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  4 Sep 2018


Fallow Deer

Redneck Liberals Open National Parks and World Heritage Area for Hunting

It’s clear the Liberals have once again kowtowed to the powerful shooting lobby.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  23 Aug 2018


Fallow Deer

Recreational Shooting in Protected Areas

We understand this is not about invasive species management, it is about hunting.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  23 Aug 2018


Fallow Deer

Recreational Shooting in Protected Areas

The Minister has announced that recreational shooters will be allowed into protected areas, including the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  23 Aug 2018


Wielangta, Tasmanian Forest Agreement Forest

2017 State of the State Address in Reply

We are now living through a time when the environmental challenges we are facing as an island and as a community are very, very significant.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Mar 2017


Franklin River, Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

Centenary of National Parks Highlights Failures of Minister

Parks Minister, Matthew Groom, should admit Tasmania's protected areas are under unprecedented threat as a result of Liberal policies.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Aug 2016


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

State Budget 2016: Parks Funding Slashed and Burnt

Tthe Budget papers show more than $6 million cut from an already underfunded Parks and Wildlife Service across the forward Estimates.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  1 Jun 2016


Bushfire, Burned Forest

Parks Minister Exposed for Gutting PWS Bushfire Funding

The Budget papers show a more than $6M cut to the Parks and Wildlife Service across the forward estimates.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Jun 2016


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

Farrell Family to Benefit from Liberal Pork Barreling

Private interests, among them the Farrell family, are the beneficiaries of $22 million in public funding being promised by the Liberals.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  14 May 2016


Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Danger to Freycinet National Park Revealed

The full extent of the Liberals' destructive plan for the Freycinet National Park has been revealed by a group of concerned Coles Bay residents.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  24 Mar 2016


Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Liberals' Freycinet Exploitation Plan

Parks’ Minister, Matthew Groom, is overseeing a sham consultation process to enable increased exploitation of the fragile Freycinet National Park.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Feb 2016


Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Liberals Locking Up More National Parks

A proposal to double the footprint of Freycinet Lodge in to the Freycinet National Park is yet another Liberal lock up for a selected private developer.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  17 Jan 2016


Three Capes Track, Tasmania

Three Capes Exclusive Monopoly

Not only are individuals being charged the hefty fee of $500 to walk the track, but established eco-tourism operators are being excluded.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  21 Dec 2015


Three Capes Track, Tasmania

Three Capes Access Still Clear as Mud

What Minister Groom proves every time he speaks is that the development in the Tasman National Park is really there for wealthy visitors.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  22 Sep 2015


Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Tasmania

No Secret Deals for Tassie's WHA!

Minister for Parks Matthew Groom's claim that he is being open and transparent is laughable.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  14 Feb 2015


Bureaucracy, Professional with Paperwork

End Parks Development Secrecy

The Department of State Growth has denied our Right to Information request seeking location details of the 37 proposals submitted to government.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  21 Jan 2015


Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Tasmania

Tasmanian Parks & Reserves

The agreement between the tourism industry and the Parks Service is a dangerous shift in the way Tasmania's World Heritage Area and National Parks are managed.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  7 Dec 2014


Franklin River, Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

Threat to National Parks

History has shown that the Greens were right to champion our protected areas as a key foundation for the tourism sector.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  16 Sep 2014