[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Tarkine-Unlocking Braddon's Economic Future_N McKim MP & C OConnor MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

TARKINE NATIONAL PARK - UNLOCKING BRADDON'S ECONOMIC POTENTIAL
 
Secure Land Tenure is Foundation for Sustainable Economic Future for
West and North-West Tasmania

Nick McKim MP
Greens' Leader

Cassy O'Connor MP
Greens' Shadow Tourism, Parks and Heritage Spokesperson

Friday, 12 December 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today committed to unlock Braddon's economic
potential by campaigning all the way to the March 2010 State Election to
establish a Tarkine National Park.

In Braddon today after a light aircraft flight over sections of the
proposed park boundary, Greens' Leader, Nick McKim MP, and Greens'
Shadow Tourism, Parks and Heritage Spokesperson, Cassy O'Connor MP, said
that the creation of a Tarkine National Park would combine the need to
protect the area's environmental and cultural heritage values with the
opportunity to attract investment to the North-West and West Coast
region.

Mr McKim and Ms O'Connor visited the beautiful Tarkine Wilderness Lodge,
describing it as a prime example of the kind of regional development
that provides an authentic Tarkine experience, and said that the
marketing opportunities flowing from the creation of the Tarkine
National Park would encourage further similar investment.

"Braddon has a rich timber and agricultural heritage, and the creation
of a Tarkine National Park would build on these important industries to
provide a broad base for the area's economic future," Mr McKim said. 

"The North West Coast has been left off the map by not having its iconic
wilderness area properly recognised and protected like Freycinet and
Cradle Mountain, and we believe that the region deserves better."

"The creation of a National Park would allow the massive economic
potential of the area to be unlocked and would provide a strong
foundation for the future of the electorate of Braddon."

"The future of the Tarkine will be a crucial 2010 election issue in
Braddon, and we will be working hard to communicate the economic
opportunities that a National Park would create for the area."

"Ultimately the Tarkine should be a World Heritage Area, but as this
would require Federal government support we believe the creation of a
National Park is a crucial step in the right direction."

"In marketing terms the creation of a Tarkine National Park would be the
best thing that could happen for Braddon, and would be of massive
benefit to the many local tourism operators who have been left in the
cold by Forestry Tasmania's proposed $23 million road."

"Rather than supporting a divisive and pointless road through the heart
of the Tarkine David Bartlett should get behind a proposal for a
National Park which would offer real long term economic benefits to the
region."

Ms O'Connor said the Tarkine possesses all the values necessary to
qualify for declaration as a National Park under the Nature Conservation
Act 2002.    

"The Tarkine is a region of breathtaking beauty and diversity of
landscape, rich cultural history, rare flora and fauna.  It is indeed,
as defined under the Act, 'A large natural area of land containing a
representative or outstanding sample of major natural regions, features
or scenery.'  Under the Act, the purpose of reserving land as National
Park is, "The protection and maintenance of the natural and cultural
values of the area of land while providing for ecologically sustainable
recreation consistent with conserving those values."[1]

"The Tarkine harbours an estimated 198 000 ha of carbon-bank rainforest
and 64 known threatened species inside its boundaries.   

"Its cultural history is also extraordinary.  The traditional lands of
the Tarkininer people, it is regarded as one of 'the world's great
archaeological sites'. The Tarkine National Coalition found there are
244 recorded Aboriginal sites; four of Tasmania's 11 known rock art
sites;  five of Tasmania's 20 recorded ceremonial stone arrangements;
and probably the most spectacular example of a pebble 'pathway' in
Tasmania," 

"The Tasmanian Greens are committed to the protection of these
outstanding natural and cultural values through the establishment of the
Tarkine National Park," Ms O'Connor said.

"We support the strategic direction set out in the Cradle Coast
Authority's 'Tarkine Tourism Development Strategy' with its focus on
enhancing the visitor's wilderness experience by identifying the most
appropriate Tarkine access points, by investing more in existing road
infrastructure, and creating more accessible walks, mountain bike trails
and interpretation facilities."  

"This strategic direction is entirely consistent with, and would be
enhanced by, the establishment of a Tarkine National Park." 

The Greens believe the Tarkine is currently threatened by:  

- Logging;

- A destructive and narrowly focussed Forestry loop road proposal
through the largest unbroken tract of rainforest in Australia;

- Lack of appropriate infrastructure and regional planning;
 
- Government neglect, 

- Vandalism and arson; 

- Over-exploitation of living resources, and;

- Climate change.

The Tasmanian Greens believe the Bartlett Government must recognise its
responsibility to protect the area and the long-term viability of
regional communities by establishing the Tarkine National Park and
investing in sustainable, regional infrastructure.  It must also provide
the necessary staff and resources to ensure the Tarkine National Park is
appropriately managed for conservation.
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[1] Nature Conservation Act 2002, Schedule 1 - Determination of class of
reserved land.




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