Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Parks spokesperson
As Greens Leader, I have today co-signed a letter with Greens Senator Nick McKim to Lonely Planet, in response to their travel advisory yesterday warning that Tasmania’s wilderness is under threat.
The content of our letter is self-explanatory and it confirms Lonely Planet’s assessment.*
The Tasmanian Liberals support logging and increased private tourism development in Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA). Parks Minister, Matthew Groom, has released a Draft World Heritage Management Plan that enables these damaging activities in the TWWHA.
The World Heritage Committee confirmed in June this year that these activities pose a threat to the Outstanding Universal Values of the TWWHA. The Committee is so concerned it's sending a delegation here later this month.
The Liberals in government have also flagged future logging operations in more than 400 000 hectares of forested land that was set aside under the previous government for conservation purposes.
No greenwash attempt by Premier Hodgman will conceal the fact that his government’s policies are a threat to Tasmania’s wilderness values. They are also clearly a threat to tourism brand.
* Joint letter to Lonely Planet from Cassy O'Connor MP and Senator Nick McKim, dated 6th November attached
