New Southport facilities on track for sustainable four wheel drive use
11/07/2007
The new Lagoon Track in the Southport Lagoon Conservation Area is on track to provide a sustainable experience for four wheel drive enthusiasts.
Southern Region acting manager, David Whitelaw, said the construction of a new track, camping and day use area was an outcome of the Southport Lagoon Conservation Area Management Plan.
“Construction of the track began in November last year and we’re on track to have the new facilities open sometime next month, barring weather delays,” Dave said.
The new track of nearly six kilometres is rated as a ‘medium to hard’ high clearance four wheel drive.
In constructing the track hardwood cording was laid as a sound base where necessary and much of the track is over quite rocky ground.
Acting Parks and Reserves Manager, Mike Garner said staff believe it will provide an experience that’s challenging for those seeking a four-wheel drive experience, while also being sustainable into the future.
“The track is well marked to encourage people to stay on it and we will put into place a range of strategies including direct liaison with users, signage and enforcement, to ensure people understand that this area will be actively managed by Parks and Wildlife Service staff,” Mike said.
“We are also employing a Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) approach to the ongoing management of visitor use in this area, with a regular monitoring program to determine how we’re traveling in protecting the natural habitats and cultural values.
“The Australian Government through NRM South, gave a significant financial contribution which enabled baseline studies and monitoring of the unknown natural values in the lagoon environs. This understanding will mean greater protection of the ecology and biodiversity of the conservation area.”
While this has been a major project for the Huonville Field Centre, involving nearly every member of staff in one way or another, its reach is far wider.
Dave Whitelaw said that quite a few Parks staff have been actively involved in construction of the track, camping and day use area and toilets as well as contributing in other ways to deliver a successful outcome.
“There’s been input from Southern Region planning staff, on-ground assistance with staff and a tractor from the Derwent – Mt Field Area, not to mention Northwest Region’s four-wheel drive truck which was a very important contribution given the on-ground conditions,” Dave said.
“This sharing of resources is much appreciated and is the way of the future for Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.”
