[Greens-Media] FW: Coalition a risk to nation’s World Heritage areas

[Hetherington, Alison (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE



Tuesday 25 June 2013



Coalition a risk to nation’s World Heritage areas



The Coalition today refused to support Tasmania’s new World Heritage area extension or a logging ban in World Heritage areas anywhere in the nation, Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said.



“Every Coalition senator in the chamber today voted against my motion which sought to celebrate and show support for our precious World Heritage areas and to prohibit logging,” Senator Milne said.



“I’m disgusted that the Coalition would not back a motion that stands by the principles of World Heritage listing. The global community has agreed to look after these precious places and yet the Coalition doesn’t seem to feel any obligation to abide by these conventions.



“If they can’t bring themselves to protect internationally agreed areas, then what hope for the rest of our country?



Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said the Coalition’s lack of understanding of the economic value of World Heritage areas was a concern for our tourism industry.


“It’s high time the Liberal party recognise the economic value of our high conservation wilderness areas.  They are worth more to Tasmanians, now and in the future, left as they are.”



Tasmanian Coalition senators include David Bushby, Richard Colbeck, Stephen Parry, and Eric Abetz.



Senator Milne’s motion:


The Senate

1.       Welcomes the World Heritage listing of the extension to Tasmanian’s Wilderness World Heritage area decided at UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting on 24 June 2013.

2.       Supports the values of Australia’s World Heritage listed areas and the provision of adequate funding to maintain their natural and cultural values.

3.       Supports a total prohibition on logging in any World Heritage areas in Australia, now and into the future.



Media Contact:Senator Milne, Georgie Klug 0438 376 082

                                Senator Whish-Wilson, Thomas Moore 0488334733