Butler’s decision thin edge of the wedge for Tasmanian devil and Tarkine brand

Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said the future of the Tasmanian devil and the tourism potential of the Tarkine are being trashed by Labor for short term political gain.

“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.

“Minister Butler was always going to make the decision he made today for the same political reasons Tony Burke shocked the country by ignoring the Australian Heritage Councils recommendations to protect the Tarkine earlier this year,” Senator Whish-Wilson said.

“It’s a short-term political decision, made in an election year, to prop up a Labor MP in a marginal seat.

“This open-cut mine proposal is the tip of the iceberg for the destruction of this internationally recognised area of wilderness.

“With another five mines awaiting approval, 10 being proposed, and over 50 exploration licences in the Tarkine, the whole area and its devil population is vulnerable to cumulative environmental damage.

“Why didn’t Tasmania get a Tarkine national park protected by heritage listing – the answer is that instead of looking after our environment Labor Environment Minister after Labor Environment Minister have backed corporate profits for foreign investors who only provide promises of short-term jobs.

“Claims that driving open cut mines into this unique area is the solution to long-term unemployment in Tasmania are simplistic and naive at best, and often politically motivated.

“This mine would have a very short lifespan, there is no guarantee of significant long-term jobs for locals, and it could leave communities with a terrible environmental legacy.

“The Tarkine has been globally recognised as one of the world’s last wilderness areas and protecting those values supports Tasmania’s brand and opportunities for long-term economic development in the north-west of Tasmania.”
Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne