Two independent environmental reports have recommended that the Repco World Rally, an event to be run through Mt Warning National Park, Border Ranges National Park and Toonumbar National Park next month, should be referred to Minister Garrett for assessment. Greens MP Ian Cohen and Tweed Shire Councillor are calling on Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett to intervene.
“The reports by Dr Stephen Ambrose and Mr Mark Graham highlight the impact of the race on a number of endangered and vulnerable species including the Giant Barred Frog, Fleay’s Barred Frog, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Three-toed Snake-toothed Skink, Black-breasted Button-quail and the Long-nosed Potoroo,” says Mr Cohen
“It is clear that the Repco Rally impacts upon matters of national environmental significance and no amount of special legislation rammed through NSW Parliament by Minister for State Development, Ian Macdonald can change that. Minister Garrett cannot simply wipe his hands clean of the irresponsible stewardship of the NSW Government in disregarding conservation and ecological values of the Green Cauldron,” says Mr Cohen
In a statement made in April 2009 Minister Garrett said; “Australia takes its World Heritage responsibilities seriously and has long been recognised internationally for taking a leading role in promoting the World Heritage Convention.” In describing these World Heritage areas the minister states; “they are so unique and exceptional that they transcend our national boundaries and are considered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to be of outstanding universal value. They are ours to respect and to cherish. And their disappearance would be an irreparable loss to humanity.”
“So far the Environment Minister Peter Garrett has not initiated a Federal assessment of the Rally despite numerous requests. These reports now confirm this stance should be revisited. Government actions have not been in keeping with taking our World Heritage status seriously at all”, says Cr Katie Milne.
“This Rally, and all the other things that we don’t do to preserve this landscape and environment, risk the loss of this World Heritage status, as happened recently in Dresden, Germany. Ill-conceived events like Repco Rally may compromise the area’s World Heritage status. We are sending in roaring, terrifying extreme machines, on the ground and in the air, right on breeding season, into this World heritage environment,” says Cr Milne.
More information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466 or Cr Kate Milne: (07) 5590 9622
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