2 May 2012

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said he had been encouraged by recent reports that both the State and Federal Government seemed committed to no blanket National Heritage listing of the Tarkine.

“I was very pleased to hear recent comments made by both Deputy Premier Bryan Green and Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke that indicate that both mining and tourism can co-exist in the Tarkine as it has done for many years,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“As has always been the case, any mining activity in this area is subject to very thorough assessments and it is essential that any activity that is approved through this process be allowed to go ahead.”

However, Mayor Quilliam said he was somewhat concerned by recent reports that environmental groups would mount a renewed and heightened campaign if the entire Tarkine was not heritage listed.

“Environmental groups must be prepared to accept the findings when they are delivered by Minister Burke rather than resort to further disrupting economic activity in the area,” Mayor Quilliam said.