CNN RECOGNISES THE TARKINE’S VALUE… WHY CAN’T LABOR?

The Tasmanian Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor said CNN’s recognition of the Tarkine as the world’s top wilderness highlighted the madness of Labor’s plan for new mines in the region.

“This is a fantastic free advertisement for the rare beauty and allure of the Tarkine, and some of the best tourism promotion Tasmania could receive,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Labor is now in the embarrassing position of having to justify mining for short term profit, rather than creating sustainable jobs based on promoting the Tarkine’s wilderness values and ancient cultural heritage.”

“What will we tell visitors who come to Tasmania after reading this article, when they learn that there are plans to wreck the Tarkine by opening it up to new mines?”

“We should be using this recognition by CNN to go out and promote the Takine’s global significance, but Labor is pushing ahead with this crazy plan to dig it up for short term jobs.”

“The Greens believe there is room for existing mining, but strongly oppose the wholesale destruction of the Tarkine which could occur if the current plethora of mining proposals goes ahead.”

“What needs to be recognised, is that the wealth of the Tarkine is not in the minerals below the ground, but in the wilderness, biodiversity and ecosystem services and values that it possesses.”

“The Greens believe that the best way to protect this precious place for future generations would be to declare a Tarkine National Park and World Heritage Area.”
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment Spokesperson Thursday, 7 March 2013