Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Environment spokesperson and Member for Franklin
Rosny Hill is the only place in Tasmania where the endangered Leafy-sun orchid is found - now threatened by a contentious hotel development. At recent count, only 30 Leafy Sun-Orchids exist in Tasmania, all found at the Rosny Hill Nature Recreation Area.
Right to Information documents* reveal DPIPWE staff hold grave concerns for the Leafy-Sun orchid if Hunter Development’s hotel proposal goes ahead.
The RTI confirms the department are concerned about the hotel development’s impact on the orchid. Suggestions by the proponent the 300m long development would somehow improve protections for the orchid were dismissed by DPIPWE staff as ludicrous.
DPIPWE previously identified land clearing, inappropriate disturbance, weeds and climate change as threats to the orchid.
The proponent’s claim that orchids could simply be relocated was also met with skepticism, with staff noting it would be an ‘Australian first’.
Despite departmental warning, Minister Jaensch will not step in and safeguard the Leafy-sun orchid in perpetuity.
As a result of the Minister’s inaction, the community are having to fundraise tens of thousands of dollars to fight the hotel proposal in the courts. The silence of the Liberal Government when it comes to protecting reserve areas in Tasmania is deafening.
This is another case of embattled Minister Jaensch refusing, or failing, to take responsibility for his portfolios.
Minister Jaensch needs to listen to the experts within his own Department, take responsibility for protecting the threatened orchid at Rosny Hill, and put an end to this damaging proposal for good.
