Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said today that Environment Minister Mark Butler's decision on the proposed Venture Minerals open-cut mine in the Tarkine is a political ploy in a marginal electorate on the first day of a Federal election.

"Minister Butler was always going to make the decision he made today for the same political reasons Tony Burke shocked the country by ignoring the Australian Heritage Councils recommendations to protect the Tarkine earlier this year," said Senator Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said today that Environment Minister Mark Butler should be spending time in Tasmania talking to experts on the endangered species under threat by Tarkine mine proposals.

"The failure of Minister Butler's predecessor to fully consider official conservation advice on endangered species was the basis of the court decision against Shree's proposed mine at Nelson Bay River," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens spokesperson for Tourism Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said yesterday’s Federal Court decision on the proposed Nelson Bay River mine was a win for the long-term prospects of the tourism industry in the northwest.

Senator Whish-Wilson is today participating in the Northwest Tourism Forum in Stanley where the attendees heard from a wide range of speakers including legendary naturalist Terri Irwin.

Tuesday, October 30 2012

 Tarkine Listing Clarification Confirms no Impact on Existing Mines.

   The Australian Greens have welcomed the Tarkine National Coalition (TNC), fulfilling a commitment given to Australian Workers’ Union National Secretary, Paul Howes, at a meeting in   Sydney last week.

Mathew Dunckley

Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson said the party strongly opposed new open-cut mines in the area, which is under

consideration for World Heritage listing, but would accept plans to revive some moth-balled mines.

“The whole line that is being pushed against us in Tasmania is that we want to shut down the mining industry, which is

absolute rubbish,” he said.

“Mining is the biggest contributor to gross state product; no one is talking about shutting it down.”