[Greens-Media] Greens call for caution on Northern development

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Greens call for caution on Northern development
Wednesday 23rd April 2008

The Australian Greens today renewed calls for a cautious evidence-based
approach to be taken to proposals to develop agriculture in Australia's
north, in response to calls arising from the 2020 ideas summit in
Canberra at the weekend.
 
"As rivers and farmland are degraded and ecosystems threatened across
southern Australia, it is absolutely imperative that we learn from these
lessons and do not repeat these mistakes in the north," said Senator
Rachel Siewert.
 
"We shouldn't be rushing ahead with development until we have done the
proper planning and research, and put in place protection for precious
and fragile environments," she said.
 
"The Kimberley is a prime example - it is part of the last great
Savannah in the world, and its coast is one of the most magnificent on
the planet. I have no doubt if its World Heritage value."
 
"We are in danger of rushing headlong into developing the north without
heeding the lessons of the past. We need to carefully consider what
natural resources are up there, the Indigenous owners and other,
environmental implications," said Senator Siewert.
 
"Alongside the environmental cost, the rate of the resources boom in
Northwest WA has so far outstripped the development of our regional
infrastructure that the demand for housing undermining communities and
driving the locals out of town."
 
"We should really sort out the natural resource management problems of
our southern landscapes before we think about tackling the complex and
fragile landscapes of the north," she said.
 
For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au