Bay of Fires plan backed

SIMON BRANIGAN, VICA BAYLEY

The Wilderness Society and Environment Tasmania are among a number of statewide conservation groups which support the Bay of Fires National Park Proposal released today by the Bay of Fires Coastal Preservation Lobby and the North East Bioregional Network.

“This proposal represents 30 years of work by local conservation groups to have the Bay of Fires area properly protected in a national park,” said Todd Dudley from the North East Bioregional Network.

“We urge the government to adopt the recommendations of this national park proposal and commit adequate resources for rangers and land managers to ensure the natural and cultural values of the entire area are properly protected within the national park boundaries,” said Simon Branigan, spokesperson for Environment Tasmania .

“In congratulating the local groups on this national park proposal, I also wish to acknowledge the fantastic initiative of the Tasmanian Government in proposing the long-term protection the Bay of Fires in a national park.”

“The Government must now begin a process to ensure they get the national park right. This includes proper consultation with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, which has a key role in designing future management plans because of the immense cultural significance of the land.”

The Wilderness Society is keen to ensure that the maximum conservation benefit is gained from the national park initiative and that all the outstanding natural values in the local area are identified and protected.

“This national park initiative provides the government with a great opportunity to protect not only the coastal areas but also the adjacent hinterland areas of extremely high conservation value which are currently under threat ,” said Vica Bayley, the Wilderness Society’s Tasmanian campaign director.

“This new national park will protect all natural values and create a protected connected landscape, linking Georges Bay in the south to the existing Mount William National Park in the north.

“Science is showing that connected areas across the landscape, protected for conservation, are crucial for providing linkages for species migration and for strong resilience in the face of climate change. They also represent an added drawcard for tourists,” concluded Mr Bayley.

Website: www.wilderness.org.au