World Heritage land grab threatens Tasmania’s brand

The Tasmanian Greens have today written to the Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke MP with concerns about the Minister’s proposal to sell off parts of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area and its proposed extensions to private developers.

Greens Environment spokesperson, Cassy O’Connor MP said that WHA reserves were protected for their pristine values, and that any developments that compromised those values would be categorically unacceptable.

“I have today written to Minister Burke to encourage him to maintain the protection of the South-West World Heritage Area and its proposed extensions,” Ms O’Connor said.

“A private land grab inside a public asset would undermine Tasmania’s international brand, and the Greens will not support it.”

“Tasmania’s wild places are protected by legislation for their outstanding natural values and any development that threatens that is in direct contradiction to that security.”

“There is plenty of land bordering the World Heritage Area available to developers and is the natural and unobtrusive alternative.”

“The Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania is wrong on this issue and don’t understand the value of a truly pristine brand.”

Download: Letter from Tasmanian Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke MP.
Mar27_Cassy_OConnor_MP_to_Tony_Burke_MP_re_WHA_Development_ATTACH.pdf