How Australians feel about mining in the Tarkine

Pollution from mining operations has reduced this part of the Whyte River, in Tasmania's Tarkine region, to foul orange sludge. Photo: Nick Fitzgerald

The mining boom is often credited with bringing untold prosperity to Australians everywhere but, as a recent study by Essential Media Communications shows, a resounding two-thirds of Australians say they’ve experienced no personal benefit from the mining boom, and only 2% report that the boom has benefited them ‘a lot’.

Likewise, the proposition that the mining industry is over-taxed is rejected by Australians at a ratio of three to one.

Last month, the Wilderness Society broke the news that Venture Minerals plans to mine in Tassie’s iconic Tarkine forest. We also announced our intention to dedicate full resources to stopping this senseless destruction of one of our country’s most iconic wild places.

In the days and weeks since the announcement, the response from our members and supporters has been overwhelming. Hundreds of emails, phonecalls to our offices, and messages from colleagues and volunteers have made it clear that we’re not alone in our agenda to stand up to the mining menace:

“Australians who have visited the Tarkine cannot help but be amazed by the huge buttressed trees, adorned with mosses, the ferns and climbers and fungi. At certain times of the year, the creek carries the white petals of the overhanging Leatherwoods – great contrast to the darkstones and branches on the bottom. They could well be little boats carrying fairies from one dell to another. There aren’t going to be many places left for our next generation to see or to use their imaginations in. (One can't imagine much in front of a bulldozer in the orange-coloured water which Tony Burke saw coming from an old mining site!) There must be some way to make these companies listen. Greed should not be let to conquer all”.

L. Fairlie
Maleny, Queensland

“Just reading the short blurb carving up our country into a kaleidoscope of mining opportunities makes my blood run cold. When profit becomes the only deciding factor in the future of our beautiful and irreplaceable natural heritage, you have to wonder about greed, short sightedness, lack of understanding about the true nature of these resources, and so many other factors. Don’t our politicians want their kids to have the opportunity to experience the joy that is inherent in our wilderness?”

K. Matheson

Melbourne, Victoria

“Our family (two adults and three young children) were traveling back from Rylstone/Mudgee area through to Newcastle last week. We ooo-ed and ahh-ed through the Bylong Valley, but later (some way along after Denman) we cried out in sadness at the site of mountains of coal and torn up countryside. Our children (aged four, six and eight) could see how wrong it was to rip apart a beautiful place full of life... Why can't more adults see it?"
R. Schloss
Newcastle, New South Wales

“The big trouble is that most of these mining companies are owned by foreigners, and they don't care about our country. Unfortunately, neither do our pollies – especially the Federal Opposition who are only interested in the almighty dollar. I feel very sad for the future of our country and its wildlife and wilderness, when these miners in their big boots trample all over everything”.

B. Hawley 

East Albury, New South Wales

“Tomorrow I will depart for the 8000 hectare Bimblebox Nature Refuge, which is destined to be turned into an open-cut mine by Clive Palmer and co. Together with other birders, I will take part in a bird survey. Hopefully we can spot the endangered Black Throated Finch, which might help to delay Palmer's disastrous ‘China First’ coal project. Australia's wonderful natural environment is under unprecedented attack from the mining industry. Hopefully, enough Australians will wake up in time and fight to stop this mining menace”.

H. Frois

Mount Sheridan, Queensland

“I agree 100% about the importance of saving our land from the pollution and greed of certain companies. I will do as much as is in my power to help the Wilderness Society. It would be a great tragedy if my children couldn't see what natural beauty their country has to offer”.

S. Shrewsbury

Perth, Western Australia

“I come from a small rural town called Timboon in south-west Victoria, about 20 minutes from the famous Twelve Apostles. Over the past 10 years or so, there has been a big gas mining boom, bringing lots of money and people to the area. What I don’t understand is – if there is such a problem with global warming – why is the mining industry growing at the rate it is? And why should us working class people be the ones who buy overpriced energy-saving appliances and equipment when we’re not the main problem”?
L. Togni

Timboon, Victoria

“Living in Western Australia, and seeing the vast destruction, open-cut mines, etc in the Pilbara, and the greed of many of these corporations that are owned by overseas investors, makes my blood boil! The West Australian Government are environmental vandals and I applaud the Wilderness Society in their efforts to protect our vast North from being mined or fracked. If I was younger (I am 72) I would be up there protesting with the locals and all those who want to see that this rugged, beautiful, ancient country remains pristine. We need to ensure that our future generations are not sold out for short term greed. Bob Brown did it, and we must all try and follow in his footsteps and keep up the continual pressure on our politicians and mining companies”. 

T. Brown

Preston Beach, Western Australia

Mining companies are formidable opponents, and standing up to them is an enormous task. But, with your support, the Wilderness Society is ready to do just that.

Some places are just too precious to mine. The Tarkine is one of those places.

Take action

Donate to our appeal to help protect Tasmania's Tarkine from mining before it's too late.

Sign our petition and tell Venture Minerals that the Tarkine is too precious to mine.