Today Mr McKim was forced to provide a personal explanation to the parliament on his prior support for commercial tourism activities in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), including the South Coast Track, the Overland Track and the Walls of Jerusalem.
In his explanation Mr McKim provided the House with a very carefully worded and obtuse explanation of that involvement.
He ruled out his commercial guests being associated with any use of float planes, but was careful not to rule out other forms of air access such as planes flying in to Melaleuca.
As most people would be aware a very substantial percentage of access to the South Coast Track is by plane.
Mr McKim should clarify his statement and give a clear explanation if air access of any type was utilised during his involvement in commercial tourism activities in the TWWHA.
If so, does he support this type of air access for commercial tourism in the TWWHA?
Mr McKim should also clarify his statement about the use of hut-based accommodation, particularly given his public statements about his guiding experiences through the Overland Track, which of courses utilise a comprehensive network of huts to improve the amenity for visitors.
It also should be noted that in his answer Mr McKim clearly referenced the use of his clients paying “top dollar” for their experience, a concept the Wilderness Society has recently ridiculed.
Mr McKim should not be embarrassed in his involvement in commercial tourism in the TWWHA. Instead he should recognise that when done sensitively tourism can be consistent with the protection of natural and cultural values and provide important employment opportunities including, of course, for tour guides.
Mr McKim should stop looking to undermine and instead start supporting the Government’s efforts in seeking to encourage sensible and appropriate tourism experiences in the TWWHA.
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