Following the decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court, the Wilderness Society today supported the call for Aboriginal management of the takayna/Tarkine coast. It reiterated the longstanding request for the Hodgman Government to accept the outcome of the consultative, compromise process that closed 4WD tracks on the takayna coast following lengthy review and expert advice on the destruction of important heritage values by the drivers of off-road vehicles.

“We support land justice for the Aboriginal community and actions that seek to increase protection for Aboriginal heritage values, connection to Country and equity and attempt to right the many wrongs of Tasmania’s past,” said Vica Bayley, spokesperson for the Wilderness Society.

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) will seek the support of Federal Environment Minister Josh Freydenberg for management responsibility of the National Heritage listed Western Tasmania Aboriginal Cultural Landscape to be transferred to the TAC. The area was listed in 2013, following an assessment that found it ‘one of the richest archaeological sites in Tasmania with the diversity and density of Aboriginal sites ranking it among “the world’s greatest archaeological sites.”’[1]

“This is a special place with an Aboriginal legacy of national and international heritage significance. More importantly, it has significance to Tasmania’s Aboriginal community and proper protection, recognition and respect is long overdue.

“In parallel with Government steps to increase Aboriginal management of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, there is sound logic in divesting management of the takayna coastline given the powerful heritage values, ongoing community connection and demonstrated failure of this Government to care.

Destructive 4WD tracks were closed in 2012 following an exhaustive Parks and Wildlife Service process, review and report[2] that included expert advice, consulted widely and reached a compromise outcome that sought to balance public access with the conservation of cultural and natural values.

“These tracks were closed on expert advice after repeated destruction of irreplaceable Aboriginal heritage values. By contrast, the push to reopen them is entirely political, with no credible case.

“Premier Hodgman and Environment Minister Groom should use the court decision to drop their plans to open these tracks and take steps to progress land justice and reconciliation by supporting the call for Aboriginal management responsibility, strengthening heritage protection legislation and working collaboratively to respect and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage across Tasmania.”

[1] https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/pages/c4bc7b64-3da4-4f7f-bcf0-4fd0c1bb9c5d/files/final-assessment.pdf
[2] http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=26412
Vica Bayley Tasmanian Campaign Manager The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc.