The Tasmanian Greens today highlighted the alarming attacks on the integrity of national parks by Liberal Party majority state governments, vowing to fight any such moves in Tasmania.
Greens Parks spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP today tabled a motion in the House of Assembly rejecting any moves to allow prospecting, mining, native forest logging and harvesting or livestock grazing in National Parks.
“Our National Parks are sacrosanct, and the Tasmanian Greens will fight against any attempt to undermine them,” Ms O’Connor said.
“The Napthine Liberal government in Victoria is currently considering prospecting licenses within National Parks and is also pushing to permit cattle grazing.”
“The Newman government in Queensland has moved to permit cattle grazing within National Parks, and has foreshadowed logging in some current National Parks, and future long-promised National Parks.”
“The O’Farrell Liberals in New South Wales have moved to allow recreational hunting within National Parks at a cost of $19 million to the taxpayer, and is also trailing stock grazing in National Parks;
“Here in Tasmania the Liberal Party has refused to rule out encouraging mining, logging and grazing in our national parks if they ever win government.”
“This concerted push by state Liberal parties to undermine the integrity of national parks will only accelerate if Tony Abbott becomes Prime Minister.”
“The Nature Conservation Act 2002 requires National Parks to be be protected and managed for their recognised natural and cultural values for current and future generations.”
“The Liberals cannot be trusted to look after Tasmania’s national parks, which are home to an incredible wealth of flora and fauna, including a large number of threatened species.”
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Parks Spokesperson Thursday, 27 June 2013
