Ms O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for PARKS and HERITAGE, Mr DUIGAN
My question relates to the Tasmanian Sand Enduro race, which has been held at the Peron Dunes since 1972. Minister, as you probably know, on 9 September last year my colleague Tabatha Badger asked you a constituent question about whether or not it was true that no Reserve Activity Assessment had been completed by Parks before the new licence was granted to the Enduro. You responded to that question by saying that the Parks and Wildlife Service was currently undertaking a Reserve Activity Assessment to assess potential impacts ahead of the November event. We now know, through RTI documents, that Parks and Wildlife Service did not commence the RAA until 10 September, one day after Ms Badger asked the question. They also show the decision to initiate this process, and the associated consideration of environmental and cultural heritage values, was only triggered by the fact that the matter was raised in parliament.
Minister this retrospective RAA found that there were Aboriginal heritage issues and there was direction to organisers to reroute the planned track for the race. There was also advice from Parks’ conservation assessment team that four-wheel drive activities during breeding season were a high risk to shorebirds in the area and recommended that such activities in this area take place outside the shorebird breeding season. Well, we know that hasn’t happened. Minister, are you able to advise whether there are any other events or developments or activities being progressed by Parks and Wildlife Service absent Reserve Activity Assessment? If so, how many, and where are they relating to?
ANSWER
I’ll just quickly go and seek some advice. I thank the member for the question and I’m happy to ask that question of the department and come back to you. I will take it on notice.
