GREENS WELCOME NEW STATUTORY PARKS AUTHORITY

World Class Reserves Awarded Status They Deserve

The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed confirmation that work was underway to establish a statutory Parks and Reserves Authority to manage Tasmania’s world class National Parks and reserves.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said the state’s Parks and Reserves system had been greatly enhanced by the recent World Heritage Area extension, and should have further additions through the process established under the Tasmanian Forest Agreement Act 2013.

“A statutory Parks and Reserves Authority will enhance the protection and management of Tasmania’s world class Parks and Reserves estate, and the Greens are pleased to have negotiated this outcome with Labor,” Mr McKim said.

“With the upcoming transfer of Forest Reserves and management of TFA Reserve Order land from Forestry Tasmania to DPIPWE, the new authority will have responsibility for over half of Tasmania’s land.”

“That’s why it’s so important that it have the structure and resources it needs to properly manage environmental values, carbon, cultural heritage, fire and tourism activities.

“Our spectacular parks and reserves are the envy of the world, and underpin many crucial sectors of our economy as well as providing recreation and education opportunities to Tasmanians and visitors alike.

“The Greens thank Minister Wightman for his genuine support for the new Authority.”

“We also urge that stakeholder feedback, especially from organisations which have been calling for such an Authority for years, is treated with due consideration as the legislation is drafted.”

Mr McKim also pointed out the establishment of the new Parks and Reserves Authority is consistent with the Tasmanian Forest Agreement, clause 55, which calls for the establishment of a ‘properly funded dedicated Parks agency’.
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader Wednesday, 10 July 2013