Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader and Parks spokesperson
“Impractical and unnecessary”.
That’s what the Tasmanian Parks Minister, Jacquie Petrusma MP thinks of UNESCO’s requirement for a Comprehensive Cultural Assessment over the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA).
This speaks volumes about how seriously the Gutwein Government takes its relationship with the palawa pakana people, Tasmania’s Aboriginal community.
In a time where Premier Gutwein pledges to walk towards Treaty and truth telling, his Government walks away from practical and respectful cooperation on how to protect Country. They would rather promote the interests of ASX listed companies keen to plunder, than respect the wishes of UNESCO, park users and the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
The detailed plan for a Comprehensive Cultural Assessment has not been completed, yet the government ploughs ahead with its flailing EOI process that will turn the TWWHA into a property developers’ free for all in places like Lake Malbena and the South Coast Track.
The Liberals are running roughshod over the wishes of UNESCO and any spirit of consensus building with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.
“Impractical and unnecessary” – that’s what the Tasmanian Greens feel about irresponsible, destructive private development in our TWWHA, and we stand with the palawa people in respecting and caring for Country.