Nick McKim: Environment restoration and marketing funds welcomed

The Tasmanian Greens Leader Nick McKim MP today welcomed the announcement of additional Federal Government funds for rehabilitating and promoting new reserves under the Tasmanian Forests Agreement.

“This is an encouraging step forward for the rollout of the new reserves under the Tasmanian Forests Agreement,” Mr McKim said.

“The Greens want Tasmania’s natural wonders to be open to visitors, so we are naturally encouraged to see additional funding provided for walking tracks and marketing for our stunning forest reserves.”

“Rehabilitation of plantations and damaged areas will be important not only for biodiversity and carbon storage, but also for maximising the tourism potential of these unique and wild places.”

“This is also a much needed injection of funding and support for local environment groups, who work tirelessly behind the scenes on overstretched budgets to safeguard Tasmania’s biodiversity.”

“The funds will help those local groups to play a leading role in rehabilitating degraded areas for the benefit of their communities.”

Mr McKim also welcomed additional funding for whale research, including for the Tasmanian-based Australian Marine Mammal Centre.

“Tasmania is one of the world’s leading ocean research hubs, and this funding will help to extend the amazing work our scientists already carry out in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.”

“We need to continue to support the scientific work carried out in Tasmania, for all the enormous benefits it brings to the state and to the Antarctic ecosystem.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader Wednesday, 24 July 2013