AusLeisure

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife has released updated concept designs for the ‘Next Iconic Walk’ with changes featuring a range of improvements to reduce its environmental impact and enhance the walker experience.

The Next Iconic Walk is a proposed three-day, two-night walk between Lake Plimsoll and Lake Margaret Power Station that will showcase the extraordinary environment and rich history of Tasmania’s rugged West Coast.

The plans for the proposed $40 million multi-day bushwalking experience were revised after considering public feedback and information gathered through market research

Tasmanian Minister for Parks, Nick Duigan advised “we know this walk traverses some of the most stunning landscapes in Tasmania, and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife appreciated hearing the community’s feedback.”

Eight public information sessions were held across the state in August and September 2024, attracting more than 200 attendees.

Market research was also commissioned by the department in October 2024 to test the Next Iconic Walk product, with 2,210 respondents sharing their views from around Australia.

“The market research reaffirmed the findings of the Next Iconic Walk feasibility study that show there is strong demand for a new three-day walk on the West Coast,” Minister Duigan added.

“As a direct result of feedback received at the public information sessions, and through follow-up market research, a number of important changes and improvements have been made to the walk’s concept designs.

“The overnight accommodation has been consolidated in two nodes – one each at Lake Huntley and Lake Mary, removing a third proposed node at Lake Malcolm. This will reduce the overall environmental footprint and streamline servicing and maintenance operations.

“All walkers will now undertake the same three-day, two-night walk, but will be able to choose their overnight accommodation experience, with options being private pods, shared bunk rooms and camping on tent platforms.

“They will have access to shared kitchen facilities and amenities, host rangers and interpretation, providing a consistent and enhance experience for all walkers regardless of their accommodation type.”

The market research also confirmed there is much stronger demand for camping in tents across two nights with access to shared facilities in huts rather than in a stand-alone campsite with only one night on track.

Removing a stand-alone campsite and consolidating all accommodation in two overnight nodes will also assist with bushfire and emergency management and improve walker safety – which was raised as a concern by many during the public information sessions.

Several other improvements include maximising renewable energy production and changes to the locations of various buildings at the overnight nodes after careful consideration of bushfire risk and visual impacts.

Minister Duigan went on to say "this walk is part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, and we remain committed to seeing it come to life."

The updated designs will be included in the Environmental Impact Statement, which is expected to be released for public consultation mid-2025 as part of the Reserve Activity Assessment process and the Council Development Application process.

Subject to securing the required approvals, it is anticipated that construction will begin in 2025/26, and the walk will open in 2029.

Further information on the latest hut designs and summaries of the consultation and market research findings can be found on the PWS website.

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