Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
The Tasmanian Greens welcome the appointment of Ray Martin as a Brand Ambassador for the State but we caution an over-reliance on celebrity at a time when the brand is under threat from Liberal policy.
The Liberals tore up the forest peace deal and want to ramp up native forest logging. Almost 400 000 hectares of high conservation value forests set aside under the TFA is in their sights for harvesting.
The Liberals tried to wind back TFA extensions to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, embarrassing the State on the global stage.
Their development at any cost policy in Tasmania's protected areas threatens wilderness value and thus brand perception.
Their neglect of critical water and sewerage infrastructure risks compromising the visitor experience.
There is a huge amount of work to be done before Tasmania's hard won brand is secure.
Lonely Planet warned that Tasmania's natural beauty is under threat, we know as a result of Liberal policies.
It's also clear that the Liberals have no respect for the outstanding natural and cultural values of the Tarkine. Their policies are to log, mine and unleash off-road vehicles in culturally significant sites.
Ray Martin has his work cut out for him.
We would encourage him to advocate for the Hodgman Government to adjust its policy settings to better protect the integrity of Tasmania's lucrative, precious brand.