30 May 2013

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam and Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh have responded with a level of surprise over the boundaries of the Tarkine as announced in State Parliament today.

“I have had previous discussions with Bryan Green over the Tarkine boundary, and was told he would get back to us, but this did not happen,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“This will cause tension in the community and will affect various communities in our municipal areas.”

Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said while he was disappointed with the lack of consultation over the new boundary, it would make it easier to define.

“The one thing is that this has now clarified where the Tarkine actually is, as it has been unidentified in the past,” Mayor Walsh said.

“Now knowing that it includes everywhere between Boat Harbour to far western Circular Head and south to Zeehan and Rosebery we can celebrate the fact this undermines the environmental claims of the Tarkine being a pristine area.

“In fact this demonstrates that the area is a kaleidoscope of activity including mining, recreation, environment, forestry and other activities.”

Both Mayors agreed that unfortunately the decision would not help resolve tension between different interests in the Tarkine.

“From recent activities it is almost impossible to believe that extreme environmentalists will accept any compromise or middle ground,” Mayor Quilliam said.