Steps to protect pristine park

WILDERNESS: King Davids Peak and Lake Salome attract growing numbers to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Picture: GARRY BAILEY

LARGE groups of walkers and campers may be restricted in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park under a proposal to preserve the pristine wilderness.

About 4500 visitors are drawn to the park every year, making it the second most popular walking area in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area after the Overland Track.

However, as visitor numbers increase, the Parks and Wildlife Service is noticing an impact on the environment and is taking steps to ensure the park remains a truly wild destination.

Large groups can displace other campers from the park's limited number of camping platforms, causing visitors to camp in spots where vegetation could be damaged.

As a result, the Walls of Jerusalem Draft Recreation Zone Plan 2013, which is open for public comment, proposes that groups of more than seven people would need to register before visiting the park.

Parks and Wildlife Service northern regional manager Chris Colley said visitor numbers to the Walls of Jerusalem had been growing steadily.

Mr Colley said the park was attractive to groups such as schools and Scouts because it was easily accessible relative to other wilderness areas.

"The registration system is about trying to manage some of the larger groups that are using the area. We know of groups of around 20 and anecdotally we've had groups coming in that are larger than that," Mr Colley said.

"People go out there in twos and threes for a remote-area experience where they are not expecting to find a lot of people and to find a group of 10 or 20 really detracts from their experience."

The PWS plans to build additional camping spots in key areas because current camps cannot meet demand.

Mr Colley said the PWS was keen to encourage camping in designated areas only because vegetation in some alpine areas where camping has historically occurred still show no sign of recovery.

The Walls of Jerusalem draft recreation zone plan is open for public comment until July 19. On Wednesday Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Brian Wightman announced a shake-up of parks management in Tasmania, with a new authority to be managed by a chief executive and guided by an appointed five-member multi-skilled board.

The draft plan can be viewed at the Parks and Wildlife Service  website.

blair.richards@news.com.au

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Cold-blooded killer on run

CORDONED OFF: Tasmania Police forensics officers were on the scene at the Marrawah Tavern after yesterday's execution-style shooting of a local man, believed to have been aged in his 40s, with two children. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

A KILLER is on the loose and a peaceful Tasmanian hamlet in shock after a Circular Head father of two was shot at close range while leaving the Marrawah Tavern.

Police have appealed for public help in hunting down the gunman, who struck at closing time early yesterday morning in what authorities described as a targeted attack.

The murder has shocked the tight-knit, North-West coastal town -- population 400 -- better known for its lush dairy pastures, fresh air and world-class surf break.

Yesterday, the Marrawah Tavern remained closed, with the village cordoned off by police tape from daybreak and forensic officers establishing a forward command post outside the pub.

Roadblocks were set up at Boat Harbour and Corrina, with police searching all cars leaving the area.

In the afternoon, a body covered in a blue tarpaulin was carried out on a stretcher. The identity of the victim, aged in his 40s, is yet to be released, but he is understood to be a local worker and father, who had separated from his partner.

No arrests had been made last night.

Police would not reveal what type of firearm was used.

Residents the Sunday Tasmanian spoke to feared the cold-blooded killing was linked to a criminal turf war, after reports two bikie gangs had established bases in the far North-West recently.

Locals too afraid to give their names said drugs were the most likely catalyst for the execution-style hit.

Acting Police Commissioner Matthew Richman urged anyone with information about people acting suspiciously in the area to come forward, saying unusual vehicles sighted in the area or people hitch-hiking could lead to a breakthrough in the case.

Police said they had deployed significant resources to Marrawah and asked residents to remain alert, but not alarmed.

Circular Head mayor Daryl Quilliam said the violent incident would devastate the Marrawah community, and the whole region, for some time to come.

He said the deceased, who for several years had performed contract work for the council, was reliable and a hard worker.

"He always did a good job for us," Mr Quilliam said.

"Something like this affects the community badly. You hear of these things happening in other parts of Australia, but when it happens in your municipality it's terrible.

"This is a small community where everybody knows everybody and usually that is a damn good thing. But when something like this happens, it's devastating."

Mr Quilliam said community members would support each other through the tragedy, which was certain to have a long-term impact.

He described the Marrawah Tavern as an important part of community life in the region.

"People will eventually recover, but something like this will devastate us for some time," he said.

A spokeswoman for Police Minister David O'Byrne said the Government was confident police would catch the killer, and, after a string of armed robberies across the state, denied Tasmania was experiencing a gun violence epidemic.

"Tasmania maintains low crime rates and remains one of the safest states in Australia," the spokeswoman said.

"Police clearance rates remain extremely high, and the fact remains that if you commit these crimes in Tasmania you will get caught."

People with information about yesterday's shooting are asked to call police on 131 444 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

duncan.abey@news.com.au

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Petrol price rise warning

TASMANIAN motorists are being warned to keep a close eye on fuel prices with fears a spike at the bowser is imminent.

With the wholesale price of fuel spiking in Singapore off the back of a drop in the Australian dollar the RACT has raised concerns the cost jump could soon hit the wallets of local motorists.

Retail prices have been gradually creeping up in Hobart in the past week.

Latest figures from fuel watchdog website Motormouth shows the average price for unleaded fuel in Hobart had reached 154.1c a litre on Thursday compared with the June average of 151.4c a  litre.

Hobart remains the most expensive capital city, behind Darwin, for the highest average petrol prices in the country.

Despite Hobart remaining relatively stable so far, other states states have seen quick rises in prices to the tune of up to 20c a litre in the past few days.

The wholesale price has also crept up, as it had in other states.

RACT spokesman Vince Taskunas said yesterday Tasmanians had become accustomed to a fairly stable market when it came to fuel.

However, in coming weeks motorists should keep a close eyes on fuel prices, he said.

"Generally, people don't look at the price," he said.

"But in coming weeks motorists should look at prices more closely.

"Fuel is inevitably going to go up."

Mr Taskunas said the recent drop in the Australian dollar was great news for Tasmanian exporters, but it  would have an impact on fuel prices.

"We are seeing an increase in the cost per barrel because of the exchange rate dropping," he  said.

In other states, petrol prices have jumped considerably recently.

In Perth and Adelaide, some service stations have  seen price rises of up to 20c a litre for unleaded fuel.

Mr Taskunas said prices in Hobart had remained relatively stable, but prices in the North and North-West of the state had jumped recently.

He said he expected price spikes would take longer to occur in Tasmania than they had in other parts of the country.

In the past few years, the average price of unleaded fuel in Hobart has jumped from 122.2c a litre in June 2009 to 148.8c a litre last month.

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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Dancing from here to infinity

ATHLETIC: The Melbourne Ballet Company is bringing a series of modern interpretations to Hobart's Derwent Entertainment Centre.

THE acclaimed Melbourne Ballet Company will put a modern spin on classical dance when it makes a rare visit to Hobart next week.

Designed to inspire both new and long-time ballet audiences, the company's entrancing show Infinite Space combines four original works choreographed by principal dancer Simon Hoy and brought to life by a talented ensemble of performers.

Infinite Space features In One Day, a physical and athletic piece set to Vivaldi's Four Seasons; Dark Before Daylight, the company's take on the timeless classic Swan Lake, complete with pointe shoes and tutus; Phrased Without Word, a physical expression of Arvo Part's Spiegel im Spiegel; and Infinite Space, an uplifting celebration of beauty set to Mozart's 27th Piano Concerto.

The Melbourne Ballet Company is at the Derwent Entertainment Centre from 2pm and 7.30pm next Saturday.

Tickets are $48 adults/$43 concession/$26 children.

Go to www.ticketmaster.com.au or phone 136 100.

Company members will host workshops at the DEC on Thursday and Friday for $27.

Interested parties should contact Ph: 6273 0233 to book your spot.

kane.young@news.com.au

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Foodies chalk up success

Chloe Proud of Ethos, in Hobart, is a finalist in the Electrolux restaurateur of the year, along with fellow Tasmanian Bianca Welsh, of Stillwater. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

TASMANIA'S dominance of the national food and wine scene has been confirmed with two local restaurant owners making the finals of the Electrolux Young Australian Restaurateur of the Year Awards.

Chloe Proud of Ethos Eat Drink in Hobart and Bianca Welsh of Stillwater and Black Cow Bistro in Launceston are two of five finalists selected from across the country.

The pair, both aged 26, will today finish a five-day tour of one of Australia's leading food and wine regions in South Australia where they have met and learnt from some of the nation's world renowned dairy, seafood, meat, horticulture and viticulture producers.

"There are some of the biggest names responsible for what is some of the best food in the country alongside 25-year-old sommeliers running multi-million dollar companies," Ms Proud said.

"It's pretty exciting to think I get to be part of that.

"We focus a lot on going around and meeting our producers at Ethos, but on a smaller scale than this. I think it's really important at both ends of the scale for people to know exactly what it takes to get food into your supermarket and on to your plate."

Co-owner of Hobart restaurant Garagistes, Katrina Birchmeier, took out the top prize in last year's awards.

Stillwater and Black Cow Bistro co-owner Mrs Welsh said the women's success was reflective of a new wave of passionate up-and-coming Tasmanian restaurateurs.

"It's nice to be given an opportunity to compete on a national level," she said.

"I think having two Tasmanian finalists is reflective of the great next generation of restaurateur coming through here."

The winner will be announced next month.

jessica.howard@news.com.au

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New bridge clicks with locals

AN innovative European bridge design has been used to preserve Sedbury Creek at Marion Bay in a Tasmanian first.

The ageing 29m timber structure was yesterday replaced with a modular bridge, called Unibridge.

Sorell mayor Kerry Vincent said the Unibridge provided a superior alternative to other bridge types.

"We were concerned this bridge wasn't going to be easy to replace and started looking at alternative designs. The Unibridge has been put together piece by piece -- I call it the big Meccano set -- which has meant minimal disturbance," Cr Vincent said.

The bridge was prefabricated off-site and installation took only three days.

"This was critical in the decision to select Unibridge, as the bridge is the only access point into Marion Bay," Cr Vincent said.

"The disruption to the local residents was dramatically minimised."

It also lessened damage to the sensitive environment.

alice.claridge@news.com.au

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Overhaul for Parks service

A NEW authority will take over governance of the Parks and Wildlife Service.

Legislation establishing a corporate style authority to control all state parks and reserves would be introduced in State Parliament next month, said Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Brian Wightman.

The authority would be managed by a chief executive and guided by an appointed five-member multi-skilled board. It would remain a part of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.

"It's establishment will not change day-to-day operational work of staff on reserve management," Mr Wightman said.

About 500,000ha of forest reserves nominated as part of the Tasmanian Forestry Agreement would be transferred to the new authority, including about 220,000ha of forest to be moved across from Forestry Tasmania.

Some Forestry Tasmania staff were likely to shift to the new authority.

Its portfolio would include almost 600 conservation reserves, recreation areas, state reserves, historic sites, plus Crown land recently transferred to Parks and Wildlife Service control.

Existing land tenure and management employees would tend the parks and reserves.

Mr Wightman said the Parks and Reserves Board would consider environmental conservation, fire management and cultural and Aboriginal heritage issues, as well as recreation and economic opportunities, such as tourism and resource use.

Liberal parks spokesman Matthew Groom said the authority was a continuation of the Government's trend of outsourcing its decision making to "an unelected, unaccountable board".

Mr Wightman said the authority's chief executive would be answerable to the minister, giving the minister a greater say over key decisions that were previously taken by a departmental secretary.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin questioned the need for "another layer of bureaucracy" that might give "unelected and unaccountable board members authority over ... lands owned by the Tasmanian people".

Tasmanian Conservation Trust director Peter McGlone said the changes had the potential to improve management and protection.

"These changes should ensure that reserve management is given greater attention and importance by the government of the day, which as been gravely missing," Mr McGlone said. "One concern is that the board may end up with a majority of its proposed five members with interests other than natural and cultural heritage conservation."

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Federal to sell key properties

West Coast mayor Darryl Gerrity welcomed the potential transfer of Strahan Village and Gordon River Cruises to the RACT

TASMANIAN tourism players have given a cautious thumbs-up to news that industry heavyweight Federal Group plans to sell a number of iconic regional assets, including Freycinet Lodge, Cradle Mountain Chateau, and Strahan Village and Gordon River Cruises, to the RACT.

Federal Group and the RACT yesterday signed off on a multi-million dollar in-principle agreement on the mass-market tourism assets, which, with Federal's planned retention of the Henry Jones Art Hotel and Saffire Freycinet, provides further evidence of the company's strategic shift towards the top end of the market.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said that while he was mindful commercial negotiations remained ongoing, he could envisage some significant upsides to the four assets joining the RACT stable.

Mr Martin said that in other Australian states, automobile clubs were already successfully involved in running tourism operations, and backed the Tasmania organisation to follow suit.

"From our perspective the most exciting element is the potential for RACT to take a significant stake in regional Tasmanian tourism," Mr Martin said.

"For these iconic Tasmanian tourism products to stay in Tasmanian hands would be fantastic."

Mr Martin said that the Federal Group had for some time been making a strategic move to service the top end of the tourism market -- including the planned $30 million luxury resort at Port Arthur -- and that any sale would allow a new operator to service on a different level of the Tasmanian market.

Yesterday's announcement of the head of agreement comes just weeks after the RACT finalised the purchase of Hobart's nine-storey Grand Mercure Hobart Central Apartments -- its first foray into the Tasmanian tourism market.

In a joint statement yesterday, RACT chief Harvey Lennon and Federal Group managing director Greg Farrell said that negotiations were a strong sign of the confidence in Tasmanian tourism, and that Federal remained strongly committed to the state.

West Coast mayor Darryl Gerrity welcomed the potential transfer of Strahan Village and Gordon River Cruises to the RACT, saying the club's interstate network offered the opportunity to attract more visitors to the region.

Mr Gerrity described Federal's decision to focus on the high end of the tourism market as "understandable", backing the company's move to become a specialist provider.

"I think this is a good move, because it opens the door to a greater clientele," he said.

Glamorgan Spring Bay mayor Bertrand Cadart said he was not surprised RACT would want to develop a network of hospitality businesses, saying sister clubs in Victoria and Queensland had already made a success of the business model.

Knight Frank real estate agent Scott Newton, acting for the Federal Group said while there had been keen interest from a number of parties in the four regional operations, Federal had chosen to sign an exclusive heads of agreement with the RACT.

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Young minds find their voice

FORTY of the state's brightest young minds have been engaging in political debate and discussing social issues.

The Tasmanian Youth Parliament began yesterday and runs until Friday, with Year 10-12 students from around the state debating Bills such as the decriminalisation of marijuana and gambling reform.

Convenor Tom Marshall said several Bills were being introduced, all of them ideas the students had put forward as their ways to create a better future for Tasmania.

"One that I think is quite interesting is introducing plain packaging for alcohol, to try to reduce alcohol sales and alcoholism," he said.

"There is also an interesting one from a team from Launceston that is helping families access elective surgery by providing grants to deal with the costs of travel and accommodation and rehabilitation surrounding surgery."

Mr Marshall said the Youth Parliament was run at Parliament House under strict House rules, with all students getting the chance to act in government and in opposition.

"Students are in teams of four and they work together with a mentor from the task force over a few months to write a Bill on a topic they care about.

"We take them right through from the beginning of the process -- from having an idea, to drafting it, putting it in the right format for Parliament, introducing the Bill, and taking it all the way through the different stages of passing a Bill through Parliament."

Mr Marshall said the Youth Parliament provided young people the chance to have a say about how the state was run.

"When you engage young people, you get some really innovative, out-of-the-box thinking," he said.

"I think it's encouraging that all of the Bills are presented to Parliament. The politicians I've spoken to genuinely do care about the outcomes of Youth Parliament and really consider it in their decision-making."

Yesterday students passed a Bill to make a second language compulsory in schools, as well as debating drivers' licence reform and elective surgery grants. Other Bills that will be debated during the week include healthier fat regulation, decriminalisation of abortion and religious education.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Cost of Living, Rebecca White, launched the 2013 Youth Parliament yesterday.

"It is fantastic to see young Tasmanians who are enthusiastic about politics, democracy and our parliamentary system," she said. "We need to engage youth who are interested in driving good public policy into the future."

For 26 years, the Youth Parliament has been running with the co-operation between the YMCA, the Tasmanian Youth Government Association and the State Government.

emma.hope@news.com.au

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$380m for education reform

TASMANIA'S education system has been given a $380 million boost with the state and federal governments agreeing to sign up to the Better Schools Plan, formerly known as Gonski education reforms.

Premier Lara Giddings and Federal Education Minister Bill Shorten yesterday said the historic agreement would deliver long-term improvements for every one of the 81,000 school students in Tasmania.

The agreement was finally reached after Ms Giddings received assurances Tasmania would not lose out on $105 million in GST funding.

Ms Giddings has also negotiated that the lion's share of state funding in the first three years of the six-year deal flows to public schools first.

The Commonwealth will balance the ledger in the first few years to ensure private schools get the same level of funding.

But exact details of the funding flow are not available as yet.

The broad vision of the Better Schools Plan is to create a national curriculum, ongoing teacher training, better communication with parents and funding based on student needs.

Tasmania became the fourth jurisdiction in the country to sign up to the plan, after NSW, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

Mr Shorten told the media in Hobart yesterday the plan would give disadvantaged students additional help but would also allow gifted students to reach their full potential.

The plan aims to take Australian schools into the top five in the world.

Tasmanian public schools will receive $233 million in funding, Catholic schools $96 million and independent schools $51 million over the next six years.

The State Government will contribute $130 million to the reforms, with $95 million going to public schools, $23 million for Catholic schools and $12 million for independent schools.

The Commonwealth will contribute $250 million over six years with $138 million for public schools, $73 million for Catholic schools and $39 million for independent schools.

"Better Schools Plan represents the biggest single injection into the education system in Tasmania's history," Ms Giddings said.

"This has been a long and, at times, difficult negotiation but we have always been motivated by the same objective to give Tasmanian students the best education possible," Ms Giddings said.

State Education Minister Nick McKim said the Government would work with principals, teachers and school communities to determine how the additional funds should be spent.

"There is strong evidence to show that targeting investment to local needs and working in partnership with parents and the local community is the key to reducing educational disadvantage," he said.

Mr Shorten said the agreement would benefit principals and teachers, who will see improved workforce flexibility and productivity, more training and support, and greater autonomy in decision making in schools.

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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