World class Tarkine must be preserved

The Tasmanian Greens today called on Primary Industry Minister, Bryan Green, to disallow Tasmania Magnesite NL’s exploration in the Tarkine region, which will damage the unique, world-class, biodiverse rainforest as well as rare underground magnesite karst systems.

Greens Member for Braddon Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP said Labor and Liberal seem bent on destroying the unique and globally significant area by allowing another intrusive project to contribute to a ‘death by a thousand cuts’ process.

“This exploration will damage the diverse ecosystems in the Tarkine region, as well as globally significant and unique magnesite underground karst systems,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“The Tarkine can become, with adequate protection, the Kakadu of the North-West Coast, providing jobs and wealth for the people of Tasmania while at the same time protecting its uniqueness, as well as its repository of highly endangered species like the Tasmanian Devil.”

“The apparent cause of this exploration is to find these magnesite karst systems so that magnesium can be obtained, which not only are unique, but provide essential water ways for the ecosystem.”

“Not only is the drilling bad for this environment, but the process of extracting magnesium from magnesite carbonate is highly energy intensive.”

“Labor need to stop this act of folly and take advice from the many reports that clearly demonstrate protection status for the Tarkine is required.”

“The Tarkine can create many jobs in tourism, education and training, as well as small business among others, which is exactly what is needed to ensure the cars turn right when they get off the boat,” Mr O’Halloran said.