Media release – Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Bob Brown Foundation, 19 April 2021
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Bob Brown Foundation call for takayna/Tarkine off-road vehicle tracks to remain closed.
After three years, Premier Peter Gutwein’s government has failed to provide the federal Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, with the information required by law to enable the re-opening of off-road vehicles tracks in takayna/the Tarkine coastline south of Sandy Cape.
At a meeting in Canberra earlier this month, Minister Ley told Bob Brown Foundation representatives that she could not make a decision because Hobart had provided no report on the studies required by a Federal Court decision in 2017.
Today the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Bob Brown Foundation called on candidates for the election to make clear they would protect the rich Aboriginal heritage on the takayna coastline between Sandy Cape and the Pieman River by keeping it free of motorised intrusion.
“The Federal Court found that that is irreplaceable Aboriginal heritage with the highest cultural values,” Heather Sculthorpe said.
“Premier Gutwein should end the drawn-out agony he is putting us through and agree to protect our heritage. We implore the government not to keep the matter going.”
Nala Mansell said: “The racial discrimination when it comes to heritage protection in this state is blatantly obvious. Our ancient, irreplaceable heritage on the takayna coast deserves as much protection as the colonial heritage sites. Could you imagine the uproar if these off-road vehicles were driving through Port Arthur, desecrating that heritage site? Aboriginal heritage needs to be understood, respected and protected.”
“We demand the Premier and other political leaders pledge their commitment to protecting the Aboriginal heritage sites in this area before the May 1 election,” Nala Mansell said.
“More than three years ago the Federal Court required this government to reassess the impact of opening these tracks to off-road vehicles and inform the federal minister. But it has done nothing. It will be shocking if the Liberals regain office and then make the unpopular move to open the tracks. That would cheat the Tasmanian public, in particular Aboriginal Tasmanians,” Bob Brown said.
They also called on candidates to commit to funding permanent Aboriginal rangers to monitor and protect takayna/the Tarkine and to both promote its World Heritage status and return the land, which includes no private land, to Aboriginal ownership.”
Facebook live video of press conference: https://www.facebook.com/Bob.
Featured image of Nala Mansell courtesy Paul Hoelen.
Media release – Dr Darren Briggs, Greens candidate for Braddon, 19 April 2021
takayna/Tarkine off-road vehicle tracks must remain closed
The Greens have backed calls from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) and Bob Brown Foundation for takayna/Tarkine off-road vehicle tracks to remain closed.
Dr Darren Briggs, Greens candidate for Braddon: “The Greens have stood beside the TAC and conservationists to stop these tracks through one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites.
“The tracks were closed because tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal heritage was being destroyed. Re-opening them is effectively granting a license for cultural vandalism.
“The Liberals’ promise to reopen tracks, made seven years ago, was rejected by the federal environment department. This tells you everything you need to know about the unviability of their promise.
“Off-road vehicle users and groups should be assisted to find an out-of-area solution for their activities, which don’t degrade significant conservation and heritage sites.
“The takayna/Tarkine should be protected to respect lutruwita/Tasmania’s first people and to avoid more damage to the irreplaceable Aboriginal heritage.”
