Media release – Bob Brown Foundation, 30 May 2022
Forest defenders return to stop MMG’s illegal roadworks
Forest defenders have returned to prevent MMG’s continued illegal roadworks connected to their proposed toxic heavy metals tailings dam in takayna / Tarkine.
Tree sitter Tobias Linz, 28, has occupied a tree sit, and wildlife veterinarian Colette Harmsen, 46, is suspended from a tripod to prevent access to the site.
“Today we are in takayna / Tarkine to peacefully protest MMG’s new tailings dam. Ongoing works are being heavily scrutinised and we are here to stand up for the animals of the forest – we are their voice,” said Ms Harmsen.
“Our foundation has repeatedly asked MMG to desist from these illegal works. They do not have an EPBC permit for these works which are still under assessment,” said Bob Brown Foundation Campaign Coordinator Scott Jordan.
“It is outrageous that they can continue to act without EPBC permits with impunity and so again it falls to citizens to stand against this.”
“This is not MMG’s first offence. They commenced work last year without permits and were not prosecuted. Clearly, they think that in the post-election absence of an Environment Minister they are likely to get away with it again.”
The roadworks on Helilog Road were referred for EPBC assessment (2021/8909) in May 2021 and are awaiting MMG’s submission of an Environmental Impact Statement for final assessment. The assessment will consider impacts on the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll, wedge-tail eagle and Tasmanian masked owl. A separate EPBC permit was granted for drilling and track works, however, this permit is currently subject to a reconsideration after the former Environment Minister received new evidence from Bob Brown Foundation demonstrating the presence of the Tasmanian masked owl on the site, despite the company claims to the contrary.
Featured image above: Figure 4 from MMG’s EPBC referral 2021/8909, showing the location of the roadworks.
