Vica Bayley: Tarkine mine decision ignores the bigger picture

Federal Environment Minister Mark Butler’s approval of the Riley Creek mine in the Southern Tarkine stinks of political expedient and ignores the advice of the Australian Heritage Council to heritage list the Tarkine and assess developments accordingly, the Wilderness Society said today.

The Society called on the Liberal Party, if elected at the upcoming national poll, to overturn the approvals and ensure the region is placed on the national heritage list.

“This decision has deliberately ignored the cumulative impacts of all of Venture’s three open cut mine plans and once again sidelines the advice of the National Heritage Council to place the area on the Heritage List,” said Wilderness Society spokesperson Vica Bayley.

“Rushing to get a decision out the door before the Government goes into caretaker mode is no way to treat a landscape of documented national and global significance.

“The Tarkine’s natural and cultural values need to be properly recognised, preserved and protected from inappropriate and destructive development and other activities.
Wilderness Society spokesperson Vica Bayley