[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Bay of Fires National Park Committment_C O'Connor MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

BAY OF FIRES VISIT

Greens Hold Positive Talks with Mayor, & Locals

Cassy O'Connor MP
Greens Shadow Parks Spokesperson

Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today reaffirmed their commitment to the
establishment of a Bay of Fires National Park, that ensures appropriate
funding and resources allocated to guarantee this iconic area's
protection.

Greens Shadow Parks spokesperson Cassy O'Connor MP travelled to St Marys
to meet Break O'Day Mayor Robert Legge Monday evening, and to visit the
Bay of Fires today.

"Mayor Legge and I are in fierce agreement about the imperatives to
protect the natural beauty of the Bay of Fires and the critical need for
more resources to go into its long-term conservation," Ms O'Connor said.

"I believe this is the message that Mayor Legge will take to Environment
Minster Michelle O'Byrne when they meet to discuss the Bay of Fires
tomorrow."

"The Minister also needs to understand that simply declaring a Bay of
Fires National Park will not be enough. She needs to begin to reverse
the state government's appalling record on funding for the Parks and
Wildlife Service by guaranteeing that money, staff and resources are put
into the Bay of Fires."

"That way the area can be protected and continue to be enjoyed by
Tasmanians and the visitors who will be drawn here as a result of Lonely
Planet identifying the Bay of Fires as the number one global destination
spot."

"While the necessary move to National Park status will require extensive
consultation with the local community and people who have been looking
after this area for decades, the Greens believe that there is a broad
consensus of support for a Bay of Fires National Park."

"An outcome such as this is one all Tasmanians could be proud of, as the
custodians of this extraordinary coastal asset." Ms O'Connor said.






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