[Greens-Media] Independent Repco Rally assessments call for Garrett’s attention

[Ian Cohen]

Ian Cohen MLC
Media Release
Wednesday 5 August 2009

Independent Repco Rally assessments call for Garrett’s attention 

Two independent environmental reports have recommended that the Repco
World Rally, an event to be run through Mt Warning National Park, Border
Ranges National Park and Toonumbar National Park next month, should be
referred to Minister Garrett for assessment. Greens MP Ian Cohen and
Tweed Shire Councillor are calling on Federal Environment Minister Peter
Garrett to intervene.  

“The reports by Dr Stephen Ambrose and Mr Mark Graham highlight the
impact of the race on a number of endangered and vulnerable species
including the Giant Barred Frog, Fleay’s Barred Frog, Spotted-tailed
Quoll, Three-toed Snake-toothed Skink, Black-breasted Button-quail and
the Long-nosed Potoroo,” says Mr Cohen   

“It is clear that the Repco Rally impacts upon matters of national
environmental significance and no amount of special legislation rammed
through NSW Parliament by Minister for State Development, Ian Macdonald
can change that. Minister Garrett cannot simply wipe his hands clean of
the irresponsible stewardship of the NSW Government in disregarding
conservation and ecological values of the Green Cauldron,” says Mr
Cohen   

In a statement made in April 2009 Minister Garrett said; “Australia
takes its World Heritage responsibilities seriously and has long been
recognised internationally for taking a leading role in promoting the
World Heritage Convention.” In describing these World Heritage areas
the minister states; “they are so unique and exceptional that they
transcend our national boundaries and are considered by the UNESCO World
Heritage Committee to be of outstanding universal value. They are ours
to respect and to cherish. And their disappearance would be an
irreparable loss to humanity.”  

“So far the Environment Minister Peter Garrett has not initiated a
Federal assessment of the Rally despite numerous requests.  These
reports now confirm this stance should be revisited.  Government actions
have not been in keeping with taking our World Heritage status seriously
at all”, says Cr Katie Milne.      

“This Rally, and all the other things that we don’t do to preserve
this landscape and environment, risk the loss of this World Heritage
status, as happened recently in Dresden, Germany. Ill-conceived events
like Repco Rally may compromise the area’s World Heritage status.  We
are sending in roaring, terrifying extreme machines, on the ground and
in the air, right on breeding season, into this World heritage
environment,” says Cr Milne.          


More information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466 or Cr Kate Milne: (07) 5590
9622