Taspec MR: Tasmanian Aborigines & Supporters for the Protection of Environment & Culture
We, a concerned group of Tasmanian Aboriginal People from the Tamar Valley Region, including Elders & supporters endorse the West Tamar & Flinders Island Council’s motion of no confidence in the Pulp Mill assessment process. The process adopted denies our democratic right to be heard and consulted. The proposed Pulp Mill is to be situated within Leitermarineer Country on a site of socio-cultural significance. Our major concerns include the potential harm to a land and seascape that nurtures and supports;
• Plant Material used in fibre art
• Shells for the ancient and precious art of creating shell necklaces
• Shellfish
• Oceanic bull kelp fields
• Krill – the food source for Mutton birds
These are now scarce resources within a Landscape that has sustained Aboriginal People for thousands of years.
Mutton birding continues to be an important economic, social and cultural tradition of Tasmanian Aborigines.
We continue to have a strong and robust connection with this land that is a living testament to the survival of Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Our practices are amongst the oldest in the world. Can Tasmania afford to lose these rare and precious practices and resources?
This fast track process does not only ignore the inherent right of Aborigines to protect our Cultural Heritage values, but it says that Aboriginal values are secondary to the rights and interests of big business.
Fiona Newson
Spokesperson
