The management plan for Australia’s historic Mawson’s Huts site in East Antarctica is up for review.

The Australian Antarctic Division is seeking public comment on the new draft Mawson’s Huts Historic Site Management Plan 2012–17.

The new plan includes a framework for managing the conservation of the huts, artefacts and heritage values of the site. It also incorporates the management of tourism and human visitation to the area.

The Director of the Australian Antarctic Division, Dr Tony Fleming, said it’s important to have a long term vision for the significant site.

“This year we are celebrating the centenary Sir Douglas Mawson’s inspirational Australasian Antarctic Expedition to Cape Denison,” Dr Fleming said.

“This plan aims to preserve the sense of what the site was like when the AAE abandoned their huts to the elements in December 1913, while also allowing an appreciation of the powerful effects of a hundred years of exposure in the world’s windiest place at sea level.

“The Antarctic Division has developed this plan in close consultation with conservators and other relevant organisations, all Australians are welcome to have their say on the Management Plan.”

The draft plan is now available on the Australian Antarctic Division website, with comments due by Friday 24 August 2012.

The current site management plan expires at the end of this year.