The Tasmanian Government was wrong to open up a number of tracks to four-wheel-drive vehicles on the state's west coast, the Federal Court rules.

Key points: Liberals promise to open the tracks in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area upon gaining power in 2014

Liberals promise to open the tracks in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area upon gaining power in 2014 In December 2014, the Federal Court upholds an injunction to keep the tracks closed

In December 2014, the Federal Court upholds an injunction to keep the tracks closed Today the Federal Court rules to keep the tracks closed

Today the Federal Court rules to keep the tracks closed The court says the Government's planned track upgrades would significantly impact a "fragile landscape"

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) took the Government to court, arguing the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area south of Sandy Cape was culturally significant and should be protected.

Agreeing with the TAC, the court found the development of the tracks would have a "significant impact" and cause "damage and harm" on the "fragile landscape".

A packed courtroom erupted into cheers and clapping as the decision was handed down.

The Government has been ordered to pay the TAC's costs.

Justice Debbie Mortimer said the area in question held an "outstanding heritage value to the nation," and "constructing new sections of track, spreading gravel, spreading rubber matting and installing culverts, fencing, or track markers" would be likely to have a significant impact on the area.

Outside court, TAC chief executive Heather Sculthorpe said "we didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so we did both".

"This could have been absolutely devastating for us," she said.

"Already, with the fires down there, we can see that the whole landscape has changed. It's entirely possible now for off-road vehicles, four-wheel-drivers, everything, just to go all the way down there to Sandy Cape and run riot.

"It is a total relief that this court has now been able to say, 'Put a break on it guys, get real, have a think and stand back and do some sensible things to protect this heritage'."

Ms Sculthorpe said she wanted the State and Commonwealth governments to work with the Indigenous community to permanently preserve the area, "rather than turning it into a battleground".

"The judge has found that that is irreplaceable Aboriginal heritage with the highest cultural values," she said.

"The State Government can listen to that and stop this thing now.

"We implore them not to continue with appealing and keeping the matter going."

The Government has been ordered to pay the TAC's costs.

Ruling a 'slap in the face' for off-road enthusiasts

Stafford Ives-Heres believes the needs of four-wheel drive enthusiasts have been overlooked. ( ABC News: Adam Harding )

In a statement, Environment Minister Matthew Groom said the Government would examine the court's decision carefully and believed it sought a balance between recreational use and protection.

"The Government remains committed to striking the right balance that provides access for traditional recreational activities such as four-wheel driving whilst at the same time ensuring we protect its significant Aboriginal heritage values," he said.

4WD Tasmania president Brian Hevey described the ruling as "a slap in the face".

"We've always said from the start, the view of 4WD Tasmania and its members and supporters is that all that is required is some proper management of tracks in the area," he said.

"Once again, it's a bit of a slap in the face for us, particularly for people who buy their passes and spend their money in the area and so on."

Mr Hevey said the group did support preserving the area's cultural significance, but that he would like to see it "properly managed, rather than this boom gate attitude that we consistently see".

"In early days we were consulted extensively, but in recent times we haven't been, so the decision is sort of made and the consultation is basically, here's the decision made, what do you think? As opposed to us being there from the very start."

Four-wheel drive enthusiasts believe their own traditions have been overlooked

"I remember as a kid going down there and catching my first abalone and crayfish and now not being able to do that, I won't be able to show my kids," said Stafford Ives-Heres.

"It's not about being redneck or anything, it's about saying 'look, one group wants this, one group wants that, let's find the playing group of both'."

Drivers and riders have ignored signs and taken down fences to ride over the Tarkine middens, Greens Senator Peter Wish-Wilson said. ( Supplied: Chris Crerar )

Ban flouted and middens defaced

Early in the hearings, the Government argued any damage to the tracks would not be of national significance.

The tracks were closed by the Labor government in 2012.

When the Liberals came to power in 2014, they promised to reopen 90 kilometres of track and earmarked $300,000 for upgrading them.

That was stalled by an interim injunction was secured by the TAC in December 2014, who argued the middens, hut depressions and rock art found in the area were unique.

About 300 off-road enthusiasts staged a rally at Arthur River last month, calling on the Government to fulfil on its promise and reopen the tracks.

In February last year, the ABC obtained footage of motorists flouting the ban, driving 4DWs through the area with number plates obscured by tape.

The illegal activity, which was also reported to the Department of Parks and Wildlife, was condemned by Premier Will Hodgman.

The department said it conducted regular patrols of the area and investigated reports of illegal activity.

Mid last year, Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson produced evidence to show motorists were removing fences to ride roughshod over middens.