Simon Branigan Enivornment Tasmania MR
“Also of concern is the 23 million dollars allocated to another road to nowhere through the Tarkine wilderness, which will irreversibly degrade pristine rainforest” continued Mr Branigan.
MEDIA RELEASE
Budget misses the mark for conservation
Tasmania’s environment groups are disappointed with today’s budget release, expressing concern that it misses the mark for conservation issues across the state.
“Twelve million dollars funding for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program is welcomed, but the budget has missed the mark when it comes to other key conservation issues across the state” said Environment Tasmania spokesperson Simon Branigan.
“Funding for land management services and the conservation of Tasmania’s flora and fauna has been slashed by six million dollars and the Parks and Wildlife Service remains desperately under funded”, said Mr Branigan.
“Also of concern is the 23 million dollars allocated to another road to nowhere through the Tarkine wilderness, which will irreversibly degrade pristine rainforest” continued Mr Branigan.
“This budget also allocates significant funding for irrigation projects, but with current Hydro Dam levels down to 17% of capacity, the focus should be shifted to restoring and protecting our water catchment areas, not altering their ecological processes” said Mr Branigan.
“There appears no change from Lennon’s budget approach, however environment groups hope that over the coming year Premier Barlett’s vision for a ‘clever and kind Tasmania’ will prevail and the next budget we will see a shift towards real conservation outcomes” concluded Mr Branigan.
Environment Tasmania is Tasmania’s Conservation Council, a peak body representing more than 20 Tasmanian environment groups – collectively representing more than 5000 Tasmanians.
