The Greens reiterate our long, consistent support for a takayna/Tarkine National Park, following today’s PR launch by the Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council. Takayna is a globally significant, culturally-rich place that should be protected, not gifted to mining or forestry corporates.
Instead, the Liberals – backed by the so-called Labor Opposition – have dramatically expanded mineral exploration in this world heritage significance region. The industry’s PR campaign, launched today, is a list of their demands to Labor and the Liberals ahead of a state election.
Takayna is the second largest temperate rainforest in the world – and the largest temperate rainforest in Australia. Industry might want to log and mine it forever, but in the midst of a climate and biodiversity crisis a responsible government should protect takayna.
Takayna’s cultural heritage demands protection for its largely unspoilt rainforests that are home to species like the masked owl, giant freshwater crayfish, healthy Tasmanian devils, quolls and more. Takayna’s almost 500,000 hectares are a rich landscape and thriving ecosystem and should remain so.
