I’ve always said had the Tasmanian mountains been a few hundred meters higher, Tasmania would be a very different place with skiing conditions similar to New Zealand.
I have always wanted to go skiing in Tasmania, but after reading this story on the ABC news website, it may be too late to really enjoy it.
The operator of the Ben Lomond Ski Lift says he may have to close because of a lack of support from the Parks and Wildlife Department.
Errol Williams says he has been waiting 16 years for the Department to develop a plan for the northern Tasmanian ski slope.
He has been told the budget has been cut because of the economic downturn.
Mr Williams says the department wants to reduce road clearing during winter snowfalls and has recently withdrawn a full-time ranger from the mountain.
“It really only reinforces my view that it’s Parks’ decision to try and do to Ben Lomond what they’re doing to Mt Field that ultimately is to close it down,” he said.
“Their lack of interest, their lack of any participation doesn’t leave one with much option.”
The Department is expected to respond today.
This would be a huge shame to Tasmania. I hope that the Parks and Wildlife Department realise how important it is to give Tasmanians the opportunity to enjoy the small snow falls that they recieve and not leave Ben Lomond with nothing but some run down rope tows like Mt Field.
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