[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Eagle Deaths At Woolnorth A Tragedy_C O'Connor MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

TASMANIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE DEATHS A TRAGEDY
 
Minister needs to investigate

Cassy O'Connor MP
Greens Shadow Environment Spokesperson

Thursday, 28 August 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today said the deaths of a breeding pair of
Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagles, a critically endangered species, at the
Roaring Forties Woolnorth Bluff Point wind farm during the last
fortnight, is deeply disturbing.  They have called on the responsible
Minister to investigate the deaths and ensure the public are informed of
the outcome of that investigation.

Greens Shadow Environment spokesperson Cassy O'Connor MP, who raised the
matter in State Parliament today, said she acknowledges the measures put
in place by Roaring Forties to try to prevent the deaths of Wedge-tailed
Eagles in its turbines, and the distressing effect that these deaths
would have on Roaring Forties staff, but believes that more obviously
needs to be done to reduce Eagle mortality at Woolnorth.

"The deaths of these majestic and iconic birds, is awful enough, but to
discover that we have now lost a breeding pair of a critically
endangered species is tragic," Ms O'Connor said.

"Birds Tasmania is extremely concerned about the future of Tasmanian
bird species and have previously stated that 'every death of an
endangered species is one step closer to the extinction of that
species'." [1]

"The Greens are deeply saddened by the news of these deaths and
concerned about the impact of ongoing deaths in wind turbines on a
species already struggling for survival." 

 "I would expect Mr Llewellyn, the Minister responsible for Threatened
Species, to investigate these deaths and ensure the public are informed
of the outcome of that investigation, including what is being done to
reduce eagle mortalities at Woolnorth," Ms O'Connor said.


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[1] "Windfarm collision kills eagles," Sally Glaetzer, The Mercury, 28
August 2008, p5



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