Coroner & Legal
Butler approves Tarkine mine …
Federal Environment Minister Mark Butler has approved Shree Minerals’ mine in Tasmania’s Tarkine region.
The initial approval for the $20 million project was overturned by the Federal Court because because it did not take into account the impact on the endangered Tasmanian devil.
Last week, Mr Butler made a draft decision and this morning his department confirmed the approval.
Mr Butler says he has taken legal advice about the implications of the court ruling and is confident the new approval has taken all information into account.
“This approval is subject to about 30 very strict conditions, the most significant of which regulates traffic in and around the mine site and I’m confident that these will greatly reduce any threat to wildlife including the Tasmanian devil,” the Minister said.
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The initial court action was taken by conservation group Save the Tarkine.
Spokesman Scott Jordan says the Government is trying to fast-track the decision.
The group has vowed to again fight the decision in court.
• Christine Milne: Butler’s decision thin edge of the wedge for Tasmanian devil and Tarkine brand “A short term mine with very few jobs is yet another ad hoc promise from a desperate local member backed by a new federal minister,” Senator Milne said. “It is a disgrace and flies in the face of expert advice from the Australian Heritage Council and government departments. “Mark Butler is Labor’s third Minister Against the Environment since 2010. Although he’s only been in the job for a few weeks he is already proving he isn’t interested in protecting the environment by refusing an invite from Save the Tarkine to visit the site. “Whilst he doesn’t want to see what he’s about to destroy, his name will forever be linked to the destruction of the Tarkine.” Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said Environment Minister Mark Butler’s decision was the thin edge of the wedge for both the Tasmanian devil and the internationally recognised Tarkine brand.
• Scott Jordan: Shree Minerals’ re-approval still fails to follow environment law “Mark Butler is the new Minister for Extinction,” said Save the Tarkine Patron, Dr Bob Brown. “Australia has two Ministers for mining, and no Minister for the Environment.”
• Nick McKim: Tarkine Smash & Grab puts cash price on Tassie devils