Tarkine: Libs see the light?

Cassy O’Connor
Greens Environment, Parks and Tourism spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said, unlike the Bartlett Government, the Liberals were showing they value the Tarkine’s potential to sustain the long-term economic health of Braddon.

LIBERALS’ SHIFT ON TARKINE WELCOME RECOGNITION F.T. LOOP ROAD WON’T HELP BRADDON
Cassy O’Connor MP
Greens’ Environment, Parks and Tourism spokesperson
Wednesday, 4 March 2009

www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the Liberal Opposition’s stated commitment to protecting the regional economy of the Tarkine, and preparedness to present an alternative to the Bartlett Government’s divisive Forestry Tasmania loop road.

Greens Environment, Parks and Tourism spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said, unlike the Bartlett Government, the Liberals were showing they value the Tarkine’s potential to sustain the long-term economic health of Braddon.

“The Greens believe the best way to unlock the economic potential of the North-West and West Coast region of Tasmania is to establish an appropriately funded and resourced Tarkine National Park, invest in sensitive regional tourism infrastructure and aggressively market the Tarkine wilderness brand, nationally and internationally,” Ms O’Connor said.

“While it’s clear the Liberals won’t go so far as to advocate for the necessary Tarkine National Park, it’s very encouraging to hear Mr Hodgman outline a more diverse, less divisive economic package for the region than that put forward by the Bartlett Government.”

“Within the State Parliament David Bartlett now stand isolated on his ill-thought out support for Forestry Tasmania’s divisive road.”

“$23 million spent on one divisive, destructive Forestry Tasmania loop road is economic, environmental and social stupidity. The Bartlett Government is serving the people of Braddon very poorly in its arrogant advocacy of the loop road, at the expense of other areas of unmet need and undeveloped potential in the Tarkine region.”

“There are alternatives to the Bartlett lack-of-vision for the Tarkine. Having launched our Tarkine National Park proposal in December, it is now very welcome to see other stakeholders voice their respective alternative visions for this unique area,” Ms O’Connor said.