The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s decision to not only dismiss appeals against the approval of the Robbins Island windfarm, but also to overturn critical protection for the orange-bellied parrot, will be deeply disappointing for all those who support the survival of threatened species and have worked to protect this remarkable area.
The Greens are strong supporters of renewable energy and have backed the construction of other Tasmanian windfarms, but Robbins Island is the wrong place for a large-scale industrial development.
We absolutely need to build more renewables in Tasmania, but not in a place so precious and unique - for its rich Aboriginal heritage, importance for a host of critically endangered bird species, and for its population of disease-free Tasmanian Devils.
Instead of pushing ahead with a massive development that would undermine irreplaceable natural and cultural values, renewable energy projects could be built in many other, lower impact, areas.
The TASCAT decision also confirms the woeful state of Aboriginal heritage protection laws, with the Tribunal acknowledging the incredible history of the area, but admitting its irrelevance to the planning scheme. This is not a system that adequately protects the thousands of generations of Aboriginal heritage here in lutruwita, and it must be reformed.
Subject to appeal, the final decision on this proposal now sits with Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Minister Plibersek has ample evidence and solid grounds to reject this inappropriate proposal outright - and she should do so.
