650 plant, animal species ‘threatened’ in Tasmania

During his address in the Federal Parliament, the Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, brought attention to the blatant contempt that the Tasmania Government has shown for the environment.

“The people of Tasmania have every reason to be proud of our natural surroundings. “Imagine the community’s alarm, and even anger, at the growing likelihood of losing so much of what we love,” Mr. Wilkie said.

“Imagine the community’s alarm at the increasing likelihood of losing so much of what we love.” “Over 650 plant and animal species are now recognized as being threatened in Tasmania, including six vertebrates that are critically endangered.

“For instance, the population of the Maugean Skate, which is an old species that is only found in the waters of Macquarie Harbour, has virtually halved between the years of 2014 and 2021 while the State Government was cheering on the seemingly unrestricted salmon farming in the Harbour. Even though only 7% of public forests currently available for logging need to be preserved to give the Swift Parrot a fighting chance, the species is still considered to be in a state of severe endangerment.

Additionally, our natural heritage is in danger because of backroom deals struck between developers and government officials. For instance, the luxury heli-tourism project being considered for Lake Malbena would only pay $4,000 per year to lease public land to exploit a wilderness heritage region for the advantage of wealthy tourists. This is a noticeably lower amount than what many families in Hobart are already responsible for paying rent every couple of months.