Latest Development Proposal example essay topic

Wilson's Promontory is located some 200 km south east of Melbourne and occupies an area of around 50,000 hectares, forming the southern-most tip of the Australian Mainland, and occupying the whole peninsula. The pristine area was officially put aside for National Park specification in 1898 and is renowned for its natural, cultural and historic values, more recently it has been recognised internationally as a Biosphere Reserve designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1982. The 'Prom' as it is affectionately known is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike with an estimated 100000 annual visitors and a occupancy level constantly well over 85% at the limited facilities provided, but popularity potentially breeds great environmental impact on an area that is extremely fragile in nature. There have been several issues that the National park has had to overcome throughout its history including the over fishing and sealing that came within inches of eradicating entire species' in the area. The latest of threats that has raised its head in the immediate district is the proposed development of wind turbine towers that if approved would stretch for as far as the eye can see to take advantage of the high wind speeds in the area.

Perhaps the most crucial and advertised issue that the prom has faced in its history occurred in 1996 when the state government under Premier Kennet tried to introduce hotel developments into the heart of the park leading to a huge up roar and a legal and social backlash. From an outsiders perspective it is clear that of all the potentially damaging environmental issues that face the prom from year to year the existing accommodation restrictions that Wilson's Promontory currently has in place is the biggest concern, practically the accommodation simply cant met the demand that is ever growing for tourists numbers to explore the area. The question is can a suitable development be put in place that has a minimal damaging environmental impact? Currently within the promontories boundaries there is only one specialised camping ground, Tidal River.

The camping at Tidal River has 350 allocated sites and little over a dozen shared cabins, when you consider that up to 800 car loads a day frequent the prom statistically obviously there is a problem, and a first in best dressed rationale that currently is implemented isn't a viable long term solution. It isn't in the best interests however for the park nor its visitors to construct a facility that would bring more people to the prom but only by taking away the true pristine experience of the terrain. The latest development proposal to be presented to the park's board and the state government may finally provide a balance between progression and conservation that all relevant groups are so desperately seeking. The proposal I refer to is entitled "Wilson's Promontory Gateway Resort" and has been presented by Tomas Tootell and Greg Burgess.

Tomas Tootell was a crucial supporter within the " save the prom" group that effectively stopped the development in 1996. Mr Tootell could be quite easily stereotyped as a avid environmentalist however he also fits into a group of society that could be seen as economic realists. Greg Burgess on the other hand brings quite an opposite influence into the debate, he is a award winning Architect that has designed and built several developments that are featured in fragile environments including the renowned Bram buk Aboriginal Cultural centre at the base of the Grampians National Park. "The prom is currently restricting the number of those who can enjoy what we enjoy, this proposal is aimed at giving more people the opportunity to realise the pristine beauty that the prom offers" and perhaps this fresh idea will do just that. The proposal is based on hopefully correcting the current accommodation problems the park faces without disrupting the ecosystem. The initial idea is based around the isolated locality of the prom, it being half an hour from the nearest township and therefore half an hour from relevant accommodation, by having an option that is located on the outskirts of the park it would encourage more widespread use " for camping may be a passion for some but can be seen as a turn off for others".

The design for the complex that would be constructed within the boundaries of an existing 256-acre dairy farm would be consistent with its surroundings and built to add to the experience not take away from it. The site would consist of several separate cabins up to 60 in all ranging from permanent tents to several duplex set ups with scenic views and barbecue facilities. Once having read the proposal it is hard to find an economic or environmental floor in the project, however the area in question may not be part of the National park but it is still a section of a nature reserve and the complex would undoubtedly have a negative impact on the area. What the deciding parties must consider is what environmental impact is acceptable and what isn't, whether local groups are willing to compromise now and allow some restricted development in the district rather than fight the "inevitable" development pressure that the area is bound to come under will be the resulting decision. At present the state government is extremely interested in any chance of development in the immediate vicinity and it seems at least for the time being they would be willing to give their full support and some expenditure to the project however no official deal has been made. The surprising aspect of the debate is that there hasn't really been a debate, all sides have agreed that this is the appropriate direction that accommodation in the district should take what simply needs to be worked out is the details and size suitability of such a project.