Tarkine National Coalition MR
THE Tarkine National Coalition has welcomed statements today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull.
“Minister Garrett’s recognition of the potential of the proposed ‘Tarkine Drive’ road to impact on the survival of the Tasmanian devil stands in stark contrast to his state colleagues who seem to want to take a don’t ask – don’t tell approach to risk management”, said Tarkine National Coalition’s Tourism Project Officer, Scott Jordan.
“26 well credentialed scientists recently signed an open letter drawing the Government’s attention to the impact that this road will have on the Tasmanian devil. We urge the Minister to stand firm against efforts to fast-track the road’s assessment, and to ensure that the highest possible scrutiny is applied to Forestry Tasmania’s ill-conceived proposal”
A recent report to the Environment Minister produced as an condition of the EPBC permit for the Arthur River Road sealing showed an increase in Tasmanian devils killed, and an increase in road-kill overall (Circular Head Chronicle, 4 March 2009). The report also recommended that any new roading or road sealing in the area should be preceded by 4-5 years of Tasmanian devil population survey work. Complying with that recommendation would see the road unable to commence before 2013.
The TNC has also been encouraged by Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull’s rejection of the Forestry Tasmania plan in favour of a reallocation of the $23million to the more jobs-rich Cradle Coast Authority Tarkine Tourism Development Strategy. “Mr Turnbull is right in his assessment of the deficiencies of the Forestry Tasmania proposal. We welcome his support of the Cradle Coast Authority’s plan”.
