Rosalie Woodruff MP | Acting Greens Leader
Although the World Heritage Committee has caved into heavy lobbying from the Federal Liberals on the Great Barrier Reef, it has stood strong in its original Decision to protect the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area from inappropriate and compromising private development.
The State Liberals’ push to privatise wilderness has been exposed on the international stage - and repudiated by the UN’s governing body.
Tasmanians from across the island and from all walks of life have been sickened by the Liberals’ unwavering agenda to ruin the TWWHA’s undeveloped ancient Gondwanan landscape. Although they have ignored the views of Tasmanians, the Gutwein Government can’t ignore UNESCO’s decision.
UNESCO have growing concerns about the Liberals’ ‘management’ of wilderness and cultural values in the TWWHA - and why wouldn’t they?
The World Heritage Committee have put the Gutwein Government firmly on notice. Any development that impacts upon the World Heritage Area’s Outstanding Universal Values must be referred back to the Committee.
This decision means the Liberals’ EOI development proposals must all be sent to UNESCO, including those for Lake Malbena and the South Coast Track.
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is a priceless and globally-significant wilderness area. It’s the jewel in Tasmania’s crown and should be protected in perpetuity.
In standing by their Decision, UNESCO are quite clear. The TWWHA’s priceless wilderness values are inviolable, and the Gutwein Government must comply with the international rules that protect them.