A group of Tasmanian environmental organisations and Green Members of Parliament have co-signed a letter to Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt, raising urgent concerns over the Tyndalls Range proposal.
The following quotes can be attributed to Tabatha Badger MP, Tasmanian Greens spokesperson for Parks and Public Land:
“It’s clear the Tasmanian Government is more concerned with playing politics progressing an election idea than they are in being good custodians and protecting areas of Outstanding Universal Value for generations to come. That is why we are urgently seeking Federal intervention.
“The Liberals’ proposed ‘Next Iconic’ walk must not go ahead because of the significant negative environmental impacts on this highly sensitive region. Not only that, it remains unclear how many millions the project will cost Tasmanian taxpayers. The Government continues to use a cost estimate that is years out of date, despite all evidence pointing to major increases.
“Paying many tens of millions of dollars to damage and degrade what makes Tasmania globally unique and precious is as absurd as it is wrong.
“Let’s get our priorities straight. We should be protecting the Tyndalls for generations to come, not short-sightedly locking up this irreplaceable region to build a development that will be financially out of reach for everyday Tasmanians.
The following quotes can be attributed to Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, Australian Greens Tourism spokesperson:
“The Tyndall Range is an ecological wonderland and is recognised as one of the most unique places on this planet.
“From its fragile alpine flora to its incredible geology and glacial features, the Tyndall Range has long been touted for protection as an extension to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
“Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area is our state’s biggest tourism asset – it draws visitors from across the country and around the globe, and underpins Tassie’s clean, green, and natural brand which gives our primary producers and export enterprises a critical edge in global markets.
“If the Minister is not going to protect the Tyndall Range by including it in the TWWHA, then he can at least ensure its extaordonary alpine areas are protected by assessing the construction of Tasmania’s Next Iconic Walk against their outstanding universal values.
Letter signatories:
Tasmanian National Parks Association
Fishers and Walkers Tasmania
Tasmanian Wilderness Society
Tasmanian Wilderness Guides Association
Tabatha Badger MP – Tasmanian Greens spokesperson for Parks and Public Land
Peter Whish-Wilson – Greens Senator for Tasmania
Nick Mckim – Greens Senator for Tasmania
