MARIA ISLAND NEEDS YOUR HELP!

The Tasmanian government has secretly negotiated with an east coast developer for two six-monthÝperiods of exclusivity to formulate development plans for Maria Island National Park. So far there has been no public consultation!

Freedom of information material has revealed that the developer is also seeking exclusive ferry access to the island. The Tasmanian National Parks Association strongly believes that cultural and natural values of our National Parks must be protected, and developments must be kept outside Park boundaries.

The Management Plan for Maria Island is due to be reviewed and possibly rewritten this year. It is likely to allow large tourism developments with management of the island falling in the lap of the private sector.

See our campaigns pages for further details

Maria Island is a treasured place. Its wildlife, natural beauty and historic and cultural connections to our past deserve protecting.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Maria and opposing inappropriate tourism developments and management privatisation. Let's ensure that Maria Island remains protected for future generations, and also in public hands!

The Program

12.30 Guided walk to visit the Adopt a Track team working on the Island.
Hear about the Parks volunteer programs. Meet at the Coffee Palace.

1.30 - 3.30 Guided bike ride down the Island (byo bike).
Meet at the Coffee Palace.

3.00 Afternoon jam on the Penitentiary verandah
Serenading the geese!

4.00 'Environmental Technology - Constraints on Maria'
Presented by John Todd Venue - the Mess Hall

6.00 - 7.00 Nocturnal walk (bring warm clothes).
Meet at the Coffee Palace.

BBQ dinner in the BBQ shelter
Get your fresh fish from local fisherman on the wharf.

8.00 Celebrating Tasmania's National Parks
A slide show featuring images from Chris Bell, Rob Blakers and Joe Shemesh. Venue - the Mess Hall

Live music 'til late.

Sunday 25 May
Early morning swim/snorkel.
Meet at the Coffee Palace.

8.00 Birdsong nature walk
Meet at the Coffee Palace.

10.00 The Poetry of William Smith O'Brien, Irish political exile
Meet on the Penitentiary verandah.

10.30 Fun for Kids
Meet at the Coffee Palace

11.00 Guided walk with heritage consultant and historian Ian Terry.
Meet at the Coffee Palace.

12.30 Program Highlight

• Official welcome from the TNPA - Margie Jenkin TNPA member.
• Parks under Threat - the TNPA defending wilderness values - Heather Kirkpatrick TNPA member
• Proposals for Maria - Helen Gee, TNPA Campaign Manager
• Student for Maria
• Appreciating Maria - A Brief History - Michael Ludelke, Author and Historian
• Preserving Maria's Irish connections - Richard Davis, Emeritus Professor in History
• Program for the day

2.00 Fun for Kids
Meet at the Coffee Palace

2.30 More from Richard Davis
Mess Hall

Afternoon Features

• Fill your ears with free range live music
  
• Enjoy the recorded soundscape of Maria by Jodie Kingston (Artist in Residence)
  
• Sample local elixirs from Darlington Vineyard.
  
• Toast the Irish political exiles including William Smith O'Brien with an Irish beverage
  
• Talk to Michael Ludelke about his latest book, and buy a signed copy to take home
  
• Put your mark on the 'Impressions of Maria' petition with words and pictures
  
• Children's face painting ‚ become a quoll or Tassie devil

Ferry details

Sunday 25th May
Depart Triabunna for Maria Island: 9.30am
11:30am will only run if there are a minimum of 20 places booked so let us know
Depart Maria Island for Triabunna: 4:30pm

Cost: Special price $20 return, payable on arrival at the ferry terminal.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before departure.

Catered Meals

Sunday 25th May
Breakfast $9
Lunch $9

Please print, detach and send to TNPA GPO Box 2188 Hobart 7000 or ring on 0429 922 203, or email Margie and give her details.

Bookings

What to bring

Overnight options: We advise you to ring Maria Island on 6257 1420 to book either a camping spot or a convict penitentiary room. You must provide all your own camping equipment. Let Margie know if you miss out on a bed as we might have some spare places in our reservation.

If you wish to be cycle-guided on the island on Saturday BYO bike.

Please bring your own food for the weekend or indicate on the form below if you require catered meals.

Wet weather option: If the weather is too rough for the ferry to operate, the event will occur locally in Triabunna. There will be notification of the alternative venue at the ferry terminal. Please still come. It will be happening.

How You Can Help Maria Island and Tasmania's National Parks

See our campaigns pages for further details on our Maria Island email and letter writing campaign.

Become a member of the Tasmanian National Parks Association. Your membership fees will help fund this event and also our Campaign Team. See our membership page.

BOOKING FORM FOR MARIA WEEKEND

Contact phone:_______________

Email:______________________

FERRY TIMES - Please indicate the ferry services you require.