Developer plans appeal after Council knocks back plans for camp in Tasmanian World Heritage Area

Developers behind a controversial ‘luxury’ fishing camp proposal which sought to fly guests in and out of the Tasmania's wilderness plan to appeal the local councils refusal of the proposal, saying they "failed in their role" to assess the project on planning merits.

On Tuesday, the Central Highlands Council rejected the proposal, by RiverFly1864 fishing tour company operators Daniel and Simone Hackett, to build a camp on Halls Island at Lake Malbena, inside Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area, voting six to three against.

The proposal, for 30 trips a year of six guests and two guides to the area, flown in and out by helicopter, had been approved by the Tasmanian and Federal Governments, with the final say falling to the Central Highlands Council.

The Council decision was to be the final step in the approvals process for the project, barring legal challenges.

Several Councillors spoke with anger about being forced to make the final decision, with some saying they felt let down by other levels of government.

Councillor Anita Campbell said it was a "horrible decision" to have to make, advising “it's unfortunate that the final decision has been left to the lowest level of government.”

She pointed to the action being taken by the Wilderness Society and Tasmanian Greens, who are seeking to overturn the Federal Government's approval for the project.

Daniel Hackett said he planned to appeal the decision "in due course", adding “while we sympathise with the passion shown on the day, the Council had a single, clear role, to assess the DA (for) the planning scheme.

"Despite the best of efforts and advice of the council planner, and having the required information and resources, we feel strongly that a number of councillors failed in this role."

The Wilderness Society said despite the council's decision it planned to continue court action against the Federal Government in relation to the proposal.

Image: Lake Melbena in Tasmania's Central Highlands region. Courtesy of the Tasmanian National Parks Association.