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The future management of Tasmania's world class reserve system will be guided by a new authority to match its status.

Introducing the new body, Tasmanian Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Brian Wightman explained "Tasmania has a reserve system that is the envy of many countries around the world with the economic, natural, cultural and recreational values they contain.

"That reputation is going to become even greater when our current national parks and reserves are joined by the reserves to be proclaimed under the Tasmanian Forest Agreement Act 2013.

"The establishment of a new Parks and Reserves Authority will ensure that we have a system in place that best serves the future management of all these areas and their values to all sectors in Tasmania."

Minister Wightman said Tasmania's reserve system provides many things to many people, from recreational activities, to conserving rich natural and cultural values, to providing tourism opportunities as well as other private and commercial activities, such as mineral exploration and mining.

Minister Wightman added "the new authority will be made up of a new Parks and Reserves Board and a Chief Executive.

"The Parks and Reserves Board will advise on the strategic direction for parks and other reserved lands as well as develop draft management plans for the reserves in consultation with the community."

Minister Wightman said the board will have five skills based members with experience in the areas of environmental conservation, resource management, fire management, carbon management, cultural and Aboriginal heritage, recreation and tourism, concluding "the Chief Executive will be a statutory appointee with powers to appoint rangers and to enforce the Act.

"The establishment of the authority was about ensuring Tasmania had appropriate and contemporary governance in place for its reserve system.

"Its establishment will not change overall the day to day operational work of staff on reserve management."

Minister Wightman said the establishment of a statutory authority will require amendments to the current National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002, adding "we will be aiming to start this process as soon as practicable, and will consult with key stakeholders."

10th October 2012 - THREE CAPES TRACK IS TASMANIA’S NEWEST VISITOR EXPERIENCE

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