Background
The Tasmanian Government has committed $10 million to support sustainable recreational off-road vehicle experiences within land managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS), including the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area (APCA) and reserves across the West Coast.
The Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area and West Coast Off-Road Vehicle Strategy and Experience Project will include delivery of the following:
West Coast Off-Road Vehicle Strategy
The West Coast Off-Road Vehicle Strategy was developed in consultation with key stakeholders and incorporated feedback received through a public ‘Have your say’ submission process.
West Coast Off-Road Vehicle Strategy (PDF 8Mb)
The Strategy outlines initiatives to:
- Improve recreational off-road driver experiences and safety.
- Improve and manage off-road driving tracks, facilities and associated services.
- Investigate priorities for remedial works on tracks to protect cultural and natural values, while retaining challenging experiences.
- Introduce systems that support monitoring and maintenance for sustainable management of tracks and facilities.
- Improve information, interpretation and wayfinding for off-road driving experiences.
- Foster partnership opportunities with Tasmanian Aboriginal people, 4WD clubs and users, tourism operators and local residents.
The Strategy will be implemented over three years, reflecting the priority of each management action, operational efficiencies and stakeholder feedback.
Year one
In Year one the main emphasis is to undertake works in the APCA and West Coast where management systems are already in place for the off-road tracks and facilities and commence assessments for projects in subsequent years.
- Planning and tracks works to address sections of the Balfour Track and Sandy Cape Track.
- Complete consultation with Tasmanian Aboriginal people and key stakeholders on the design, assessments and implementation of the site concept plans for upgrading camping areas and day facilities.
- Aboriginal heritage assessments, including consultation with Tasmanian Aboriginal people, for the Western Tasmania Aboriginal Cultural Landscape (WTACL) and Granville Harbour to Pieman Heads Track to guide the priority for management works in the following two years.
- Commence establishing baseline conditions and monitoring framework.
- Expanding on liaison and working arrangements with other potential partners (e.g. Councils, Tasmania 4WD clubs, shack owners).
Year two
In Year two the main emphasis is to undertake works on the ‘Very Difficult’ sections of tracks.
- Planning and track works to address sections of other West Coast tracks.
- Assessing the options to address difficult access and site impact issues within the WTACL in collaboration with Tasmanian Aboriginal people to identify sites or areas of the landscape requiring protection.
- Assessments and permit applications for implementing works to help protect identified Aboriginal heritage sites near existing tracks.
- Develop products to assist with trip planning and access such as downloadable GPS files or maps.
- Review and update legislative and compliance framework.
Year three
In Year three the main emphasis is to establish the management policy and resources to allow effective maintenance of the tracks and facilities.
- Introduce management consistency with the application of the recreational driver pass system across the West Coast.
- Implement site concept plans to upgrade the camping areas and day facilities at Sandy Cape.
- Improved services based around gateways, information, and GIS mapping.
- Development of communication material to promote sustainable use.
- Facilitate partnerships and support appropriate tourism experience products.
Project updates
Information and updates are available on the Project Updates webpage.
Resources
West Coast Off Road Vehicle Strategy
West Coast Off-Road Vehicle Strategy – Submissions Report
West Coast Off-Road Vehicle Strategy – Public Submissions
Draft West Coast Off-Road Vehicle Strategy
Media Release 9 August 2021 – Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area Tracks Update
Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area Tracks (NRE Tas website)
Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area Management Plan 2002
Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area – Parks and Wildlife Service
Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area Recreational Driving Guide
More information
The Frequently Asked Questions webpage provides more information.