[Greens-Media] PARNELL: Libs must back Arkaroola words with action

[Parnell]

Media Release
Tuesday 14th September 2010


Libs must back Arkaroola words with action


The SA Liberals must back any support for the protection of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary with real action, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

An announcement is expected today from the Liberal party about their position on mining in the iconic Sanctuary, prompted by a Greens amendment to the Mining Act to ensure the protection of the wilderness area.  Debate on the amendment is set to take place this week after a long winter break.

The debate comes as the Government is set to announce whether they intend to issue a new exploration licence to Marathon Resources, the company found guilty of dumping hundreds of bags of radioactive waste in the Sanctuary.  The company's exploration licence is set to expire on the 10th of October.

"Motherhood statements won't stop Marathon's bulldozers," said Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

"If the Government allows Marathon Resources back in to Arkaroola, despite all their vandalism, the Liberal party must act.

"This week, they have a wonderful opportunity to back their words with action and preserve the majestic Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary once and for all by supporting my amendment to the Mining Act.  So, if they won't back my amendment, what will they do instead?

"Or will today's announcement just be nice words that mean nothing?," Mr Parnell asked.

Key questions include:

§      Do the Liberals support a ban on all current and future exploration and mining activity in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary?

§      Will the Liberals support or oppose the granting of a new exploration licence to Marathon Resources (due 10/10/10)?

§      How will the Liberals ensure that Environmental Class A Zone protections currently in the Development Act apply to all mining activity in the Arkaroola Sanctuary?




For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893




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