Guy Barnett,Minister for Resources
The Tasmanian Government welcomes news that the Bob Brown Foundation's latest attempt to lock up another 440,000 hectares of the Tarkine under emergency national heritage listing has been rejected by the Federal Minister for Environment, Sussan Ley.
I have written twice to Minister Ley outlining the importance of these industries to Tasmania, especially in the North West, and this is a great outcome for Tasmania. Minister Ley has confirmed in writing to me this week that the area is ''appropriately protected''.
Minister Ley's decision confirms what we have always said.
Not only does Tasmania have a world-leading system of reserves, but the Tarkine stands as a prime example of sustainable multiple land-use management, where recreation, conservation, resource utilisation and tourism have co-existed successfully for generations.
This decision will provide comfort to the thousands of Tasmanians in our North West who earn a living in our productive industries.
Together, the mining and forestry sectors support over 8000 jobs in North‑West Tasmania and contribute approximately $1.6 billion in direct gross revenue, and over $650 million in value added, per annum, with a $3.5 billion in direct gross revenue to the State's economy overall.
These industries are also the lifeblood of many of our regional towns, including Rosebery where the current mine has operated continuously for 85 years.
It is essential that these industries can continue to operate within the Tarkine region subject to existing rigorous regulatory and environmental approvals.
This decision follows the recent failed attempt by the BBF to challenge the legality of Tasmania's Regional Forestry Agreement at the Federal and High Courts.
It is time for the BBF to acknowledge our world-class sustainable industries and regulatory environment, and for the attacks on Tasmanian workers and their families to stop.
