The Tasmanian Greens today used parliament to raise the issue of the financial condition placed upon the Shree Minerals’ mine approval in the Tarkine of $48, 000 for life of each Tasmanian Devil killed after the first two.
Greens Member for Braddon, Paul O’Halloran MP, said that this condition set a dangerous precedent, effectively placing a financial value on an endangered species.
“Putting a financial value on the Devil sends the dangerous message that this precious species is expendable for the right price,” said Mr O’Halloran.
“A price of this nature will not prevent accidents from happening and worse than that, it provides a strong disincentive for mine operators to report the deaths of Devils killed during the mine’s operations.”
“It was very disappointing to see the Minister for Threatened Species, Brian Wightman, stand up in Parliament today and state that he has confidence in the Federal Minister’s decision to place a price on endangered species.”
“We have seen the shock waves that still reverberate around the world as a result of the Thylacine’s tragic extinction, which was the result of poor Government policy at the time. Now we see a modern Minister speaking in support of a project which cannot be proven will not jeopardise the future of one of our other iconic species.”
“The Tasmanian Devil is infinitely more valuable to Tasmania and to the Tasmanian economy, now and into the future, than any short-term iron mine ever will be.”
“Since the demise of the Thylacine, the Tasmanian Devil has become the largest carnivorous marsupial left in existence, for us to be trashing its habitat is beyond reason,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Member for Braddon
