A similar conversation is on going in Cairns, Australia . In regards to how far can they develop the tourist industry in and around the rain forest of Cairns.
Years ago a cable car was built to go up and over the beautiful rain forest up to Kuranda. There were many people totally against any development at all. Actually it looks pretty good and is a wonderful trip to take. Why deny people who cannot hike or walk very far this access to the glorious rain forest. ? I don`t have an answer to that.
There are people of power with huge vested interests vying to get access to the money that can be made by easing access to the Lakes, all under the banner of making access easier for the disadvantaged in society.
I`m sure there are many well meaning people who really believe in opening the Lakes up to a more diverse group of people, but there are those pushing for this to happen only to line their own pockets. I wouldn`t be surprised if Richard Leefe, although probably well meaning is just the sort of stooge that the business people who would benefit from more tourism, loves to have in that particular post.
I`m probably wandering off the point maybe but it boils down to the fact that human beings are destroying & altering nature to our own short term advantage. There really is no stopping it, I reckon. It is all way to late now, and in my big picture we are heading for extinction so none of this will matter in the long run.
Thankfully though, planet Earth will survive and new species maybe in an Eon will evolve. We do not think in terms that are long enough to save ourselves.
Personally I would hate to see more tourist development in the Lakes just as I dislike to see it in any beautiful natural place, but who am I to deny others when I have enjoyed some of these wonderful areas myself.