In July 2018 the TLC made a submission to the Department of the Environment regarding the Lake Malbena proposal. The submission outlined the TLC’s concerns regarding the frequency of helicopter flights within the proposed flight path and the potential cumulative risk it poses to the nationally endangered Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax fleayi) on the TLC’s adjacent Five Rivers Reserve and surrounding area.
The TLC has no affiliation with Wild Drake Pty Ltd. Since 2012 a formal licence agreement between the TLC and River Fly 1864 Pty Ltd has allowed for a small standing camp on Skullbone Plains (Five Rivers Reserve) with camp access only by foot. Various other licence conditions apply to the operation in line with the TLC’s Five Rivers Reserve Management Plan.
The licence does not affect other visitor use and has provided a more regular presence on the reserve that mitigates illegal vehicular access that in the past has caused significant environmental damage. The TLC continues to monitor the conditions and requirements of the license at Five Rivers Reserve to ensure compliance.