8 February 2013
THE Australian Mines and Metals Association (AREEA) welcomed this morning’s decision by federal environment minister Tony Burke to reject a full Heritage Listing proposal and allow mining development in Tasmania’s Tarkine region.
AREEA, the national resource industry employer group, had consistently joined trade unions, the local community and the state government in insisting a balance between environmental management and positive economic development could be met.
“The announcement today confirms that mining development will play a big role in Tasmania’s future and create jobs and economic upside for the state,” said AREEA chief executive Steve Knott.
“There has been consistent joint-support to allow environmentally-responsible projects to go ahead in the Tarkine, with just 1 per cent of the region proposed to be open for such activity.
“Along with the existing Grange Resources project, which is a world leader in environmental management, Tasmanian workers will soon benefit from two new resource employers in Venture Minerals and Shree Minerals.”
Mr Knott acknowledged the decision to protect the region’s ‘rich Aboriginal heritage’ and reiterated that any future resource development would need to comply with the strictest environmental conditions.
“AREEA understands and supports the heritage listing of Aboriginal cultural sites and the ongoing efforts to ensure responsible new projects can be undertaken at a minimal disturbance to the natural environment,” he said.
“The extreme green agenda fails to recognise that mining has delivered enormous economic upside for Tasmania for more than 120 years.
“This decision shows the world that Tasmania is open for responsible business investment. Given Tasmania’s ongoing unemployment and economic issues, it is no surprise the local community heavily supports this decision.
“The Australian Government now joins the Tasmanian Government, resource employer group AREEA and the principle mining union, the Australian Workers Union, in sending a positive message about the future of Tasmania’s business environment.”
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