Other Activities
Fluted Cape © Amanda Harper
"Our Parks are Not For Sale" Post Cards
As part of the campaign run during the first half of 2003 concerning the resort development proposed for Maria Island, Avant Cards printed 10,000 post cards (one enclosed) with the caption "Our Parks are Not For Sale" and a comment addressed to the Tasmanian Premier, Mr Jim Bacon. These cards were distributed and recipients were requested to provide a comment on the back then sign and return the cards to the TNPA. With the return of around 1000 cards, a presentation was made to the Premier (via his office) in early December. A mock auction of National Parks was also undertaken in association with the presentation. The event was included in the local TV news that evening and there was also some print media coverage.
Park Rangers
The TNPA met with a representative of the Tasmanian PWS Rangers Association in mid-November to discuss a number of issues relating to the employment and conditions facing rangers working within Tasmania's National Parks. In particular, concern was expressed about the decline in the number of rangers: while land under management, and visitor numbers, have increased over time (from 1.75 million hectares in 1991 to 2.6 million hectares in 2003) the number of rangers has decreased (from 96 rangers in 1991 to 60 rangers in 2003). The lack of rangers and resources is leading to a lack of on-the-ground services (eg. visitor interpretation) and reductions in monitoring programs (eg wildlife monitoring, controlling phytopthera). There are also morale problems. A number of options highlighting the need for a well-staffed and well-resourced Park ranger service will be pursued as a priority issue in 2004, including a report to the relevant Minister outlining ongoing concerns in the Park Service.
As part of the campaign run during the first half of 2003 concerning the resort development proposed for Maria Island, Avant Cards printed 10,000 post cards (one enclosed) with the caption "Our Parks are Not For Sale" and a comment addressed to the Tasmanian Premier, Mr Jim Bacon. These cards were distributed and recipients were requested to provide a comment on the back then sign and return the cards to the TNPA. With the return of around 1000 cards, a presentation was made to the Premier (via his office) in early December. A mock auction of National Parks was also undertaken in association with the presentation. The event was included in the local TV news that evening and there was also some print media coverage.
Park Rangers
The TNPA met with a representative of the Tasmanian PWS Rangers Association in mid-November to discuss a number of issues relating to the employment and conditions facing rangers working within Tasmania's National Parks. In particular, concern was expressed about the decline in the number of rangers: while land under management, and visitor numbers, have increased over time (from 1.75 million hectares in 1991 to 2.6 million hectares in 2003) the number of rangers has decreased (from 96 rangers in 1991 to 60 rangers in 2003). The lack of rangers and resources is leading to a lack of on-the-ground services (eg. visitor interpretation) and reductions in monitoring programs (eg wildlife monitoring, controlling phytopthera). There are also morale problems. A number of options highlighting the need for a well-staffed and well-resourced Park ranger service will be pursued as a priority issue in 2004, including a report to the relevant Minister outlining ongoing concerns in the Park Service.
Copyright © 2011
The Tasmania National Parks Association Inc seeks to preserve Tasmania's national parks and reserves through management committed to the conservation of their natural and cultural values.
ABN: 38 875 435 295
The Tasmania National Parks Association Inc seeks to preserve Tasmania's national parks and reserves through management committed to the conservation of their natural and cultural values.
ABN: 38 875 435 295
