Bligh's environmental credentials on the line over Wenlock River mining decision

The Wilderness Society (QLD) Inc
Media Release
27 November 2009

The Wilderness Society (Qld) today warned that Premier Anna Bligh’s environmental credentials are on the line over the upcoming Wild Rivers declaration for the Wenlock River area on Cape York Peninsula.

Premier Anna Bligh has the power to protect sensitive areas of the Wenlock River under the Wild Rivers Act, preventing irreversible damage from the proposed Cape Alumina bauxite mine (also covering parts of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve), and Rio Tinto Alcan from extracting 80% of river water as they are currently permitted.

However, the Wilderness Society has raised serious concerns that behind closed doors, Labor-connected lobbyists are forcing the Premier’s hand to rule in favour of destructive mining in highly sensitive areas.

Glenn Walker, Wild Rivers Campaigner for the Wilderness Society said: “We believe very well connected Labor mates are actively attempting to water down the proposed Wenlock Wild River declaration. Key lobbyists include Enhance Corporate, and Mr Nev Conway, Campaign Director for Kevin Rudd’s local electorate in the 2007 Federal Election.”

“This is a big test for Premier Bligh and her environmental credentials. We are deeply concerned that the Premier will cave in to professional lobbyists and put mining interests and their destructive practices ahead of proper environmental protection. This would spell disaster for the Wenlock River and its spectacular surroundings.”

The Wenlock River is one of Australia’s last wild rivers, unpolluted and free of dams and destructive mines. Rare rainforest springs on the northern banks of the lower Wenlock provide critical freshwater to the lower reaches of the river, but are seriously threatened by the mine.

“The destruction from bauxite mining is severe. Dismissed recently as merely “landscaping” by Cape Alumina CEO Paul Messenger, the Cape Alumina mine will destroy forests, cause erosion and wipe out wildlife habitat. Unique rainforest springs will also be seriously threatened by modified water flows, while a new port and potential dredge in Port Musgrave threatens the endangered Spear-tooth Shark and Freshwater Sawfish” said Mr Walker.

A group of nine leading Australian ecologists and biologists recently released a public plea to the Premier, calling on her to protect the Wenlock River and associated rainforest springs from bauxite mining.

“The Premier needs to show she’s prepared to protect our fragile environment. She can either fully ensure the future of this extraordinary part of Australia’s natural heritage, or gift it to the mining industry to be bulldozed, dug up and destroyed forever” concluded Mr Walker.