❓ The Minister for Environment clarifies the management arrangements for Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge, addressing concerns about the future of the facility and Taffy Abbotts' involvement. The government is committed to a fair settlement regarding compensation claims and encourages Abbotts to apply for the long-term lease.
AnsweredQoN 51Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MT HART WILDERNESS LODGE, KIMBERLEY — DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
Can the minister please inform the house of the current management arrangements in place for the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge in the Kimberley, and in particular about the future of this facility? Mr W.R. MARMION
Can the minister please inform the house of the current management arrangements in place for the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge in the Kimberley, and in particular about the future of this facility? Mr W.R. MARMION
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Geraldton for the question and for the opportunity to clarify to the house the current arrangements of the property at Mt Hart that is owned by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Mr T.G. Stephens : You are chucking out Taffy. Own up to it! Mr W.R. MARMION : I will get to that, member. I have received a number of letters on this issue, which is of great interest to all members. Those letters have come from the tourists who have visited Mt Hart, a lot of whom are from the eastern states. They support the wonderful job that Taffy Abbotts has done for the tourism industry at Mt Hart. I will give the house some background to this issue. The predecessor to DEC—the Department of Conservation and Land Management—purchased the Mt Hart property leasehold in 1991, and in 1995 CALM entered into a contract-for-services arrangement with Mr Taffy Abbotts to operate the facilities as a tourism business. Mr Abbotts was paid by CALM to manage and maintain the facilities. At that time, a lease could not be issued until the land was created as a reserve under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. In 2004, Mr Abbotts decided to take up the extension options under his existing contract until November 2011 rather than apply for a long-term lease via a competitive process, which was offered by DEC at the time. In May last year, DEC staff visited Mt Hart at Mr Abbotts’ request. I understand that at that meeting Mr Abbotts indicated that he would probably not wish to apply for a new contract or lease and that he was not averse to leaving prior to the expiration of his contract. At that time, DEC again advised Mr Abbotts that the department intended to reallocate the opportunity to operate the facilities for tourism accommodation and associated purposes by way of a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest as part of the Naturebank program. The Naturebank program is a state government initiative to provide greater access to Western Australia’s world-class park system while protecting conservation values and providing local economic benefits and encouraging sustainable, commercial tourism accommodation. That initiative is well worth supporting, and is certainly one that I support. As I mentioned, Mr Abbotts preferred to operate under his current management contract rather than move to a long-term lease through a competitive process bid. Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the member for Geraldton for the question and for the opportunity to clarify to the house the current arrangements of the property at Mt Hart that is owned by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Mr T.G. Stephens : You are chucking out Taffy. Own up to it! Mr W.R. MARMION : I will get to that, member. I have received a number of letters on this issue, which is of great interest to all members. Those letters have come from the tourists who have visited Mt Hart, a lot of whom are from the eastern states. They support the wonderful job that Taffy Abbotts has done for the tourism industry at Mt Hart. I will give the house some background to this issue. The predecessor to DEC—the Department of Conservation and Land Management—purchased the Mt Hart property leasehold in 1991, and in 1995 CALM entered into a contract-for-services arrangement with Mr Taffy Abbotts to operate the facilities as a tourism business. Mr Abbotts was paid by CALM to manage and maintain the facilities. At that time, a lease could not be issued until the land was created as a reserve under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. In 2004, Mr Abbotts decided to take up the extension options under his existing contract until November 2011 rather than apply for a long-term lease via a competitive process, which was offered by DEC at the time. In May last year, DEC staff visited Mt Hart at Mr Abbotts’ request. I understand that at that meeting Mr Abbotts indicated that he would probably not wish to apply for a new contract or lease and that he was not averse to leaving prior to the expiration of his contract. At that time, DEC again advised Mr Abbotts that the department intended to reallocate the opportunity to operate the facilities for tourism accommodation and associated purposes by way of a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest as part of the Naturebank program. The Naturebank program is a state government initiative to provide greater access to Western Australia’s world-class park system while protecting conservation values and providing local economic benefits and encouraging sustainable, commercial tourism accommodation. That initiative is well worth supporting, and is certainly one that I support. As I mentioned, Mr Abbotts preferred to operate under his current management contract rather than move to a long-term lease through a competitive process bid. Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
I thank the member for Geraldton for the question and for the opportunity to clarify to the house the current arrangements of the property at Mt Hart that is owned by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Mr T.G. Stephens : You are chucking out Taffy. Own up to it! Mr W.R. MARMION : I will get to that, member. I have received a number of letters on this issue, which is of great interest to all members. Those letters have come from the tourists who have visited Mt Hart, a lot of whom are from the eastern states. They support the wonderful job that Taffy Abbotts has done for the tourism industry at Mt Hart. I will give the house some background to this issue. The predecessor to DEC—the Department of Conservation and Land Management—purchased the Mt Hart property leasehold in 1991, and in 1995 CALM entered into a contract-for-services arrangement with Mr Taffy Abbotts to operate the facilities as a tourism business. Mr Abbotts was paid by CALM to manage and maintain the facilities. At that time, a lease could not be issued until the land was created as a reserve under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. In 2004, Mr Abbotts decided to take up the extension options under his existing contract until November 2011 rather than apply for a long-term lease via a competitive process, which was offered by DEC at the time. In May last year, DEC staff visited Mt Hart at Mr Abbotts’ request. I understand that at that meeting Mr Abbotts indicated that he would probably not wish to apply for a new contract or lease and that he was not averse to leaving prior to the expiration of his contract. At that time, DEC again advised Mr Abbotts that the department intended to reallocate the opportunity to operate the facilities for tourism accommodation and associated purposes by way of a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest as part of the Naturebank program. The Naturebank program is a state government initiative to provide greater access to Western Australia’s world-class park system while protecting conservation values and providing local economic benefits and encouraging sustainable, commercial tourism accommodation. That initiative is well worth supporting, and is certainly one that I support. As I mentioned, Mr Abbotts preferred to operate under his current management contract rather than move to a long-term lease through a competitive process bid. Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
Mr T.G. Stephens : You are chucking out Taffy. Own up to it! Mr W.R. MARMION : I will get to that, member. I have received a number of letters on this issue, which is of great interest to all members. Those letters have come from the tourists who have visited Mt Hart, a lot of whom are from the eastern states. They support the wonderful job that Taffy Abbotts has done for the tourism industry at Mt Hart. I will give the house some background to this issue. The predecessor to DEC—the Department of Conservation and Land Management—purchased the Mt Hart property leasehold in 1991, and in 1995 CALM entered into a contract-for-services arrangement with Mr Taffy Abbotts to operate the facilities as a tourism business. Mr Abbotts was paid by CALM to manage and maintain the facilities. At that time, a lease could not be issued until the land was created as a reserve under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. In 2004, Mr Abbotts decided to take up the extension options under his existing contract until November 2011 rather than apply for a long-term lease via a competitive process, which was offered by DEC at the time. In May last year, DEC staff visited Mt Hart at Mr Abbotts’ request. I understand that at that meeting Mr Abbotts indicated that he would probably not wish to apply for a new contract or lease and that he was not averse to leaving prior to the expiration of his contract. At that time, DEC again advised Mr Abbotts that the department intended to reallocate the opportunity to operate the facilities for tourism accommodation and associated purposes by way of a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest as part of the Naturebank program. The Naturebank program is a state government initiative to provide greater access to Western Australia’s world-class park system while protecting conservation values and providing local economic benefits and encouraging sustainable, commercial tourism accommodation. That initiative is well worth supporting, and is certainly one that I support. As I mentioned, Mr Abbotts preferred to operate under his current management contract rather than move to a long-term lease through a competitive process bid. Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I will get to that, member. I have received a number of letters on this issue, which is of great interest to all members. Those letters have come from the tourists who have visited Mt Hart, a lot of whom are from the eastern states. They support the wonderful job that Taffy Abbotts has done for the tourism industry at Mt Hart. I will give the house some background to this issue. The predecessor to DEC—the Department of Conservation and Land Management—purchased the Mt Hart property leasehold in 1991, and in 1995 CALM entered into a contract-for-services arrangement with Mr Taffy Abbotts to operate the facilities as a tourism business. Mr Abbotts was paid by CALM to manage and maintain the facilities. At that time, a lease could not be issued until the land was created as a reserve under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. In 2004, Mr Abbotts decided to take up the extension options under his existing contract until November 2011 rather than apply for a long-term lease via a competitive process, which was offered by DEC at the time. In May last year, DEC staff visited Mt Hart at Mr Abbotts’ request. I understand that at that meeting Mr Abbotts indicated that he would probably not wish to apply for a new contract or lease and that he was not averse to leaving prior to the expiration of his contract. At that time, DEC again advised Mr Abbotts that the department intended to reallocate the opportunity to operate the facilities for tourism accommodation and associated purposes by way of a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest as part of the Naturebank program. The Naturebank program is a state government initiative to provide greater access to Western Australia’s world-class park system while protecting conservation values and providing local economic benefits and encouraging sustainable, commercial tourism accommodation. That initiative is well worth supporting, and is certainly one that I support. As I mentioned, Mr Abbotts preferred to operate under his current management contract rather than move to a long-term lease through a competitive process bid. Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the member for Geraldton for the question and for the opportunity to clarify to the house the current arrangements of the property at Mt Hart that is owned by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Mr T.G. Stephens : You are chucking out Taffy. Own up to it! Mr W.R. MARMION : I will get to that, member. I have received a number of letters on this issue, which is of great interest to all members. Those letters have come from the tourists who have visited Mt Hart, a lot of whom are from the eastern states. They support the wonderful job that Taffy Abbotts has done for the tourism industry at Mt Hart. I will give the house some background to this issue. The predecessor to DEC—the Department of Conservation and Land Management—purchased the Mt Hart property leasehold in 1991, and in 1995 CALM entered into a contract-for-services arrangement with Mr Taffy Abbotts to operate the facilities as a tourism business. Mr Abbotts was paid by CALM to manage and maintain the facilities. At that time, a lease could not be issued until the land was created as a reserve under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. In 2004, Mr Abbotts decided to take up the extension options under his existing contract until November 2011 rather than apply for a long-term lease via a competitive process, which was offered by DEC at the time. In May last year, DEC staff visited Mt Hart at Mr Abbotts’ request. I understand that at that meeting Mr Abbotts indicated that he would probably not wish to apply for a new contract or lease and that he was not averse to leaving prior to the expiration of his contract. At that time, DEC again advised Mr Abbotts that the department intended to reallocate the opportunity to operate the facilities for tourism accommodation and associated purposes by way of a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest as part of the Naturebank program. The Naturebank program is a state government initiative to provide greater access to Western Australia’s world-class park system while protecting conservation values and providing local economic benefits and encouraging sustainable, commercial tourism accommodation. That initiative is well worth supporting, and is certainly one that I support. As I mentioned, Mr Abbotts preferred to operate under his current management contract rather than move to a long-term lease through a competitive process bid. Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
I thank the member for Geraldton for the question and for the opportunity to clarify to the house the current arrangements of the property at Mt Hart that is owned by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Mr T.G. Stephens : You are chucking out Taffy. Own up to it! Mr W.R. MARMION : I will get to that, member. I have received a number of letters on this issue, which is of great interest to all members. Those letters have come from the tourists who have visited Mt Hart, a lot of whom are from the eastern states. They support the wonderful job that Taffy Abbotts has done for the tourism industry at Mt Hart. I will give the house some background to this issue. The predecessor to DEC—the Department of Conservation and Land Management—purchased the Mt Hart property leasehold in 1991, and in 1995 CALM entered into a contract-for-services arrangement with Mr Taffy Abbotts to operate the facilities as a tourism business. Mr Abbotts was paid by CALM to manage and maintain the facilities. At that time, a lease could not be issued until the land was created as a reserve under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. In 2004, Mr Abbotts decided to take up the extension options under his existing contract until November 2011 rather than apply for a long-term lease via a competitive process, which was offered by DEC at the time. In May last year, DEC staff visited Mt Hart at Mr Abbotts’ request. I understand that at that meeting Mr Abbotts indicated that he would probably not wish to apply for a new contract or lease and that he was not averse to leaving prior to the expiration of his contract. At that time, DEC again advised Mr Abbotts that the department intended to reallocate the opportunity to operate the facilities for tourism accommodation and associated purposes by way of a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest as part of the Naturebank program. The Naturebank program is a state government initiative to provide greater access to Western Australia’s world-class park system while protecting conservation values and providing local economic benefits and encouraging sustainable, commercial tourism accommodation. That initiative is well worth supporting, and is certainly one that I support. As I mentioned, Mr Abbotts preferred to operate under his current management contract rather than move to a long-term lease through a competitive process bid. Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
Mr T.G. Stephens : You are chucking out Taffy. Own up to it! Mr W.R. MARMION : I will get to that, member. I have received a number of letters on this issue, which is of great interest to all members. Those letters have come from the tourists who have visited Mt Hart, a lot of whom are from the eastern states. They support the wonderful job that Taffy Abbotts has done for the tourism industry at Mt Hart. I will give the house some background to this issue. The predecessor to DEC—the Department of Conservation and Land Management—purchased the Mt Hart property leasehold in 1991, and in 1995 CALM entered into a contract-for-services arrangement with Mr Taffy Abbotts to operate the facilities as a tourism business. Mr Abbotts was paid by CALM to manage and maintain the facilities. At that time, a lease could not be issued until the land was created as a reserve under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. In 2004, Mr Abbotts decided to take up the extension options under his existing contract until November 2011 rather than apply for a long-term lease via a competitive process, which was offered by DEC at the time. In May last year, DEC staff visited Mt Hart at Mr Abbotts’ request. I understand that at that meeting Mr Abbotts indicated that he would probably not wish to apply for a new contract or lease and that he was not averse to leaving prior to the expiration of his contract. At that time, DEC again advised Mr Abbotts that the department intended to reallocate the opportunity to operate the facilities for tourism accommodation and associated purposes by way of a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest as part of the Naturebank program. The Naturebank program is a state government initiative to provide greater access to Western Australia’s world-class park system while protecting conservation values and providing local economic benefits and encouraging sustainable, commercial tourism accommodation. That initiative is well worth supporting, and is certainly one that I support. As I mentioned, Mr Abbotts preferred to operate under his current management contract rather than move to a long-term lease through a competitive process bid. Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I will get to that, member. I have received a number of letters on this issue, which is of great interest to all members. Those letters have come from the tourists who have visited Mt Hart, a lot of whom are from the eastern states. They support the wonderful job that Taffy Abbotts has done for the tourism industry at Mt Hart. I will give the house some background to this issue. The predecessor to DEC—the Department of Conservation and Land Management—purchased the Mt Hart property leasehold in 1991, and in 1995 CALM entered into a contract-for-services arrangement with Mr Taffy Abbotts to operate the facilities as a tourism business. Mr Abbotts was paid by CALM to manage and maintain the facilities. At that time, a lease could not be issued until the land was created as a reserve under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. In 2004, Mr Abbotts decided to take up the extension options under his existing contract until November 2011 rather than apply for a long-term lease via a competitive process, which was offered by DEC at the time. In May last year, DEC staff visited Mt Hart at Mr Abbotts’ request. I understand that at that meeting Mr Abbotts indicated that he would probably not wish to apply for a new contract or lease and that he was not averse to leaving prior to the expiration of his contract. At that time, DEC again advised Mr Abbotts that the department intended to reallocate the opportunity to operate the facilities for tourism accommodation and associated purposes by way of a publicly advertised call for expressions of interest as part of the Naturebank program. The Naturebank program is a state government initiative to provide greater access to Western Australia’s world-class park system while protecting conservation values and providing local economic benefits and encouraging sustainable, commercial tourism accommodation. That initiative is well worth supporting, and is certainly one that I support. As I mentioned, Mr Abbotts preferred to operate under his current management contract rather than move to a long-term lease through a competitive process bid. Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
Through his existing management contract, Mr Abbotts is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities, subject to his contract, until it lapses in November this year. However, in late 2010 Mr Abbotts lodged a claim with DEC for compensation based on the replacement value of the buildings and infrastructure at the Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge and has entered into negotiations over the claim. Those negotiations are continuing. The government is committed to a fair and reasonable settlement of Mr Abbotts’ claim but has a duty to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly. Whilst this may involve a considerable effort to establish a fair and equitable outcome, DEC is working with Mr Abbotts on an outcome that is satisfactory to both parties. I wish to make it clear that Mr Abbotts has not been asked to leave Mt Hart. As I have already stated, he is welcome and entitled to operate the facilities subject to his contract, which expires in November this year. Mr Abbotts is also entitled and encouraged to competitively apply for the long-term lease. Calling for expressions of interest for such leases is a standard practice to allow equitable access to restricted commercial opportunities offered by the department. It is similar, for example, to those commercial opportunities that are operating in the Purnululu and Karijini National Parks and are proposed to be operated through Naturebank at the Francois Peron and Cape Le Grand National Parks. In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
In addition to the Naturebank program, the Liberal–National government has a strong commitment to the Kimberley region, and especially to conserving the natural and cultural values of this wonderful wilderness area. Last year the Premier announced that the government would significantly increase the conservation areas in the Kimberley and improve the management of the area to help underpin and expand the tourism industry in the region. This includes a focus on improving visitor access and services to allow more people to better enjoy the truly unique experience that the Kimberley has to offer, including special places such as Mt Hart.
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