[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Tarkine Road Will Divide at a Time When Unity is Needed_C O'Connor MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

FAST-TRACK FORESTRY ROAD THROUGH TARKINE IS A RECIPE FOR DIVISION

... When Unity is Needed

Cassy O'Connor MP
Greens Shadow Parks and Heritage 

Wednesday, 15 October 2008 
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today expressed extreme disappointment in the
determination of the Bartlett Government to fast-track a Forestry
Tasmania loop road through the Tarkine wilderness, at taxpayers'
expense.

Greens Shadow Parks and Heritage spokesperson Cassy O'Connor MP said the
Premier's announced infrastructure spend should focus on projects that
have a proven public interest benefit, and that unite, rather than
divide the community.

"This proposal was dreamed up by former Premier, Paul Lennon, and pushed
and promoted by Forestry Tasmania at a potential cost to the Tasmanian
taxpayer of $23 million," Ms O'Connor said.

"Any proposal to construct more roading through the Tarkine wilderness
will inevitably generate conflict.  Individuals and groups who have
spent years campaigning to protect the Tarkine from forestry and roading
will be devastated that the Bartlett Government seems so determined to
carry through Paul Lennon's 'vision'."

"They will surely not take this assault on the Tarkine lying down."

"The infrastructure expenditure should be on projects with a
demonstrated community benefit.  Where is the benefit to local
businesses and tourism operators in a road that will have visitors
zipping in and out of the Tarkine in half a day?"

"Where is the community benefit in cutting a road through pristine
rainforest in the Savage River Pipeline Forest Reserve which, sadly, is
'managed' by Forestry Tasmania?"

"Where is the community benefit to towns such as Waratah, Zeehan,
Rosebery and in fact, the entire West Coast, in a loop road that leaves
them entirely out of the loop?"

"Why is the Bartlett Government so captivated by the desires of Forestry
Tasmania, and so apparently determined to realise Paul Lennon's dream of
a fast-track through the Tarkine wilderness?"

"That $23 million would be far better and smarter invested in regional
tourism infrastructure, some of which is detailed in the Tarkine Tourism
Development Strategy and includes more walking tracks, a mountain bike
track plan, adventure sports events, and a Cultural Interpretive Centre
at Arthur River."

"Surely the focus must be on ensuring visitors go to experience the
wild, culturally-rich Tarkine and stay there for more than a few hours,"
Ms O'Connor said.







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