Nick McKim: Coalition must honour reserves funding

The Tasmanian Greens today renewed calls for the Federal Coalition to honour its signed agreement to fund the management of Tasmania’s new reserves, including the new World Heritage Area.

With Federal Cabinet reportedly meeting to discuss forest policy today, Greens Leader Nick McKim also called on the Coalition to heed calls from forest industry groups to leave the current World Heritage Area boundaries intact.

“Any move to open up logging in the World Heritage Area would trigger an international outcry, and turn the Australian government into an environmental pariah,” Mr McKim said.

“The world wants conflict-free timber, and any attempt by the Coalition to unpick the World Heritage Area would ruin any hope of a certified industry in Tasmania.”

“The industry is crying out for the Coalition to support the Tasmanian Forests Agreement, and not plunge Tasmania back into the dark days of conflict and division over forestry.”

“Instead of threatening to log a World Heritage Wilderness, the Abbott Government should instead honour its commitment to fund the management of new reserves established under the TFA.”

“The initial payment of $7 million from the Commonwealth was due in September this year, but not a cent has been forthcoming.”

“We need an immediate commitment from the Commonwealth to provide to Tasmania an annual indexed payment of $9 million for the ongoing management of our world-class reserve system.”

“This money is needed to protect and enhance the natural and cultural values of Tasmania’s reserves, including reducing the risk of bushfire.”

“It would also create many new jobs in Tasmania for rangers and scientists.”

“The signed funding arrangements between the Commonwealth and the State is a formal contract, and it is incumbent on Prime Minister Abbott to honour this contract with the Tasmanian people.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader