The Tasmanian Greens have condemned the Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke’s decision to delay heritage assessment of the Tarkine, and have called for the immediate reintroduction of the Emergency National Heritage Listing.
Greens Member for Braddon Paul O’Halloran MP said more threats have emerged to the region’s environmental values since the previous Environment Minister Peter Garrett put in place an emergency listing in 2009.
“The same Federal Government that so rightly intervened to protect the Tasmanian devil from the impact of Labor’s Tarkine Drive is now turning its back on implementing those same responsibilities in light of the threat posed by increased mining pressure,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“Minister Burke must act immediately to protect the Tarkine and its globally significant heritage values through reintroduction of the Emergency National Heritage Listing abandoned last December.”
“The Australian Heritage Council recommended the Tarkine for Listing on the National Heritage Register in 2003, and again in 2010, yet the Mr Burke now appears to be listening the interests of the mining industry ahead of his own department.”
“The Greens don’t want to lock up the Tarkine, we want to open secure its long-term and sustainable economic potential for now and future generations.”
“Study after study has indicated that this area, if given the protection already recommended by the Australian Heritage Council, will be a huge job and wealth creator.”
