The Loved to Death Syndrome Part 1 -
Wilson's Promontory

The southern most feature on the Australian mainland was set aside as one of Victoria's first National Parks in 1908. This was a spectacular achievement, protecting nearly 50,000 hectares and 130 km of coastline in a largely undisturbed state.
Wilson's Promontory is now extremely popular with walkers including many from New South Wales, where, with rare exception, the experience of solitude and genuine remoteness is hard to find along our coast. In recent years overnight walking in the park has been under a permit system so as to keep numbers to acceptable levels for the areas natural integrity to be maintained.
The draft of a new plan of management for the Park was hoped by those who enjoy the Prom as it is, to recommend conservation priority and the official downgrading of the lighthouse road to a walking track.

Wilson's Promotory - Photo Webster's Multimedia
Instead people were shocked to find recommendations for built accommodation within the park. The plan proposes that a 150 bed 3-4 star licensed lodge be built at Tidal River and a 45 bed serviced lodge and four huts for the use of commercial operations be built in remote areas of the park. The lighthouse track issue was left open with possibilities including track extension and greater use by management vehicles.
A very strong public response has been generated, with the Victorian National Parks Association spearheading action against the plan. Confederation has written to Victoria's Minister for Conservation Marie Tehan adding our voice to the strong opposition to development on Wilson's Promontory.