The South Coast Track is one of the continent's premier wild landscapes: awash with rich coastal ecosystems, the iconic Ironbounds traverse, tannin-stained rivers, and notorious weather and terrain. Late last year our annual South Coast BioBlitz ran an eight day survey along this special coastline, focusing on searching for and identifying rare, endemic and special species that call this south facing coastline home.

We’ve been conducting this annual trip for the past five summers, because despite being rich in outstanding values, the track is subject to a suite of commercial development proposals, including luxury lodges and a range of associated infrastructure that will trash its wild character.

This is all part of the State government's ongoing Parks Privatisation process, which has actively encouraged development proposals such as these in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The development plans were due to be shared publicly last year. Fortunately, these have been held off with strong ongoing community opposition. However, over the summer break, these plans to develop the south coast were sold on to a new business (the third owner of these plans - can you believe it?!) as part of a broader tourism package.

This presents us an opportunity to get in the ear of the new owner early: to keep the south coast wild and free. Join us on Tuesday March 31st, 6pm, where we’ll give an update on our recent BioBlitz trip and how we can up the pressure on the new ‘owner’ to drop the plans for good!

This event will take place on the sovereign and unceded lands of the Palawa people, the rightful owners of Lutruwita/Tasmania.

Parking & Public Access: This event is in North Hobart. Street-parking is available although it is minimal. Public transport is available to within 100 metres of the venue. The event will be held in the upstairs room of the venue, which is not wheelchair accessible.