BackgroundThere are more than 60 threatened species in the Tarkine, which has a variety of ecology: temperate rainforest, sand dunes, buttongrass, and coastal heath. The Tarkine has bandicoot, echidnas, possums, Tasmanian Devils, quolls, and wombats, There's also more than a hundred bird species, including the threatened Orange-bellied Parrot. Importantly, there are many places where Aboriginals lived, evidenced by middens, cave paintings and other subtle features. Contemporary Aboriginals have a strong connection to the region.

The Tarkine Forest Reserve and the Arthur Pieman Conservation Area cover about 1000 square kilometres. Less than 5% of the Tarkine is protected in national parks or the like. In 2013 the Federal Minister for the Environment Tony Burke declined to list some 4300 square kilometres of the region on the National Heritage Register. He added only 210 square kilometres to the Heritage Register due to their Aboriginal values. Conservationist were and are appalled by the lack of protection to the area.

The figuresThe cost to build the track will be in the vicinity of $20 million, with income of about $1.4 million a year projected, covering maintenance. As some money will be spent in local communities by the estimated 6-7000 visitors a year, the TTT is expected to provide a regional boost, especially after taking multiplier effects into account. Jobs will be created. By comparison, the Overland Track has 8000 visitors a year. One very good benefit is that the Tarkine will gain a higher profile, which is likely to lead to more protection from mining and other adverse impacts. In time, the Tarkine may even be a national park and World Heritage Area.

The BBF is considering the report, and there may be a detailed survey to fine-tune the route.

CommentsThe Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is just outside Hobart and operates guided walks in the rainforest section of the proposed TTT. Director Greg Irons, said, "The Tarkine is truly Tasmania's best kept secret. We are turning people away from Cradle Mountain and Freycinet in our peak periods and this is a prime opportunity to make the Tarkine the third wilderness tourism hub."

"We put this plan forward as a centrepiece for a future Tarkine protected with World Heritage status. Our foundation also backs wild areas of the Tarkine returning to Aboriginal traditional ownership, and sees a major role for Aboriginal rangers in presenting the heritage of the region to visitors using the Trans-Tarkine Track," Bob Brown said.