The Tarkine National Coalition has strongly condemned Minister Burke’s decision to allow the Tarkine Emergency National Heritage Listing to lapse.
“The lapsing of the National Heritage Listing is a green light to further destruction of this wild and unique place,” said Tarkine National Coalition spokesperson Scott Jordan.
“In fact, one of the previous Minister’s numerous stated reasons for the Tarkine Emergency National Heritage Listing was to protect ‘rare magnesite karst”, and the department is currently assessing a drilling proposal by a prospective miner within that very karst system – now without having to meet National Heritage protection standards.”
In June 2010 the Australian Heritage Council released preliminary mapping that actually extended the area beyond the nominated boundary, and Tarkine National Coalition cannot see any valid justification for the listing to lapse.
“With 72% of north west coasters polled supporting the creation of a Tarkine National Park, the Minister is clearly out of step with the local community who want to see this area protected.”
Tarkine National Coalition will meet with Minister Burke next week and urge a immediate listing of the Tarkine.
