[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Premier must act to protect Whyalla's Cuttlefish

[Parnell]

Media Release
Wednesday 22nd October, 2008

Premier must act to protect Whyalla's Cuttlefish

	
Premier Rann must act to protect Whyalla's iconic Cuttlefish population
by announcing the relocation of the Point Lowly industrial developments
during his visit today to Whyalla, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

"The Premier has a wonderful opportunity today to reassure the people of
Whyalla that he won't sacrifice their backyard for short term profits
for mining companies," said Mr Parnell. 

"If the beauty and richness of this unique marine environment was in the
open air, and not buried beneath the waters, I have no doubt this
development would not be happening.  Out-of-sight, out-of-mind is simply
no excuse," he said.  

The Government is supporting a range of industrial developments on the
Point Lowly Peninsula, including a new jetty and bulk loading facility
for minerals, one, possibly two new refineries and a desalination plant.
These developments are proposed near the centre of an extraordinary
congregation of the majestic Giant Australian Cuttlefish who gather once
a year off Point Lowly to breed.

"By driving a jetty straight through the heart of the Cutttlefish
breeding grounds, on top of the proposed dumping of hyper-saline water
toxic to the Cuttlefish's breeding cycle, the Government is arrogantly
thumbing its nose at legitimate concerns raised by marine experts and
local residents. It is ironic that just as the world is beginning to
discover the Point Lowly Cuttlefish phenomenon, plans are put in place
that have the potential to wipe it out," Mr Parnell said.

"A precautionary approach to the Cuttlefish does not just make sense for
the environment, it also makes sense for Whyalla's future economic
strength.  Plans to rename the area to the North of Whyalla the
'Cuttlefish Coast' point to the great potential for nature tourism on
the back of the wonders beneath Point Lowly's waters.  

"Mr Rann could prove today he is truly listening to the local community
and environmental experts and nominate an alternative site for the
industrial developments proposed for Point Lowly.  I welcome his
intervention today," he said. 

 

	
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893



---------------------------------------------------------------------
"The information in this e-mail may be confidential and/or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, access to it is unauthorised and any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it is prohibited and may be unlawful."