Future of the central western Tasmania

Central western Tasmania is a highly distinctive region with a highly problematic future. Its resource -based economy like that of the state has resulted in widespread despoilation of public lands that have yet to undergo a trend away from exploitation toward conservation. Mining is remarkably stable, despite current difficulty, and will persist as the main economic base. Future mineral development will depend on the nature and extent of exploration as well as on economic and political considerations. Although the west coast has substantial forest resources and long- term market prospect s , the distribution of the forests and adverse terrain together with emerging community values may restrict future exploitation . Tourism cannot be regarded as a panacea but scope exists both for its modest expansion and for innovations to cater for more discriminating travellers. A contentious issue is hydro-electric power development, which will probably spearhead the growing conflict over resource use. More research is needed to determine the extent and nature of water pollution attributable to mining and of man's imp act on the vegetation. A conservat ion program for the region is considered essential and urgent but should not be imposed from outside or developed ahead of community support.