Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Environment spokesperson and Member for Franklin
Premier Hodgman refused to promise action on the waste problem on Bruny Island before the Easter tourist rush, despite a letter from residents three weeks ago pleading him to respond.
The Premier loves to tout Bruny Island as 'the jewel in Tasmania’s tourism crown'. But there is a serious waste problem on Bruny Island.
Bags of rubbish are being dumped, litter is clogging up the environment, and there is even human poo on the beach.
Bruny Island is in danger of being loved to death, with a dramatic increase in tourism numbers. We've seen numbers up 24% in the year to September 2015, with an even greater explosion over summer.
There has been no increase in Parks and Wildlife staff or policing services. Facilities such as toilets and rubbish bins, and emergency services on the Island, are at breaking point.
When asked why he had done nothing to help clean up Bruny Island in Parliament today, all the Premier could point to was adding extra ferry sailings that have delivered more visitors to the island.
Premier Hodgman appeared to miss the irony that his government's drive to increase tourist numbers, without providing supportive facilities, is the source of the problem. The Liberals can't have the party and not help clean up.