Thousands of Australians put their Hands Up for the Kimberley!

The Wilderness Society WA Inc
Media Release
17 June 2009

Nationwide concern over plans for industrial development in the iconic Kimberley region will be turned into action through a new online initiative by the Wilderness Society.

The Wilderness Society today launched a ‘Hands Up for the Kimberley’ supporter map that concerned Australians will sign on to. The map demonstrates countrywide opposition to planned industrial development in the Kimberley.

The Wilderness Society’s Kimberley Campaigner, Josh Coates said the Hands Up for the Kimberley supporter map gives Australians a new way to support peaceful opposition to industrialisation of the Kimberley.

“By signing up to the supporter map, people are refusing to invest in companies that promote the destruction of  the Kimberley’s globally significant environmental values.

“Many people have participated in public meetings, rallies, letter writing and online actions and this new Hands Up for the Kimberley supporter map is an extension of community concern.

“There are also thousands of people who have already sent letters, signed petitions and attended public events. This new online action will send a strong message to decision makers in Government and big fossil fuel companies that Australians care about the Kimberley and want to see it protected,” said Mr Coates.

Australia is one of only five places worldwide with very large areas of relatively pristine natural environments remaining – the Kimberley is one of those precious places.

“A strong economy depends on maintaining a healthy environment. There is no benefit in protecting people’s jobs if those jobs involve destruction of our natural environment,” added Mr Coates.

“For example, there are already over 500 people working in the Kimberley Indigenous tourism industry – an industry that depends on the intact and wild beauty of the region.”

The Wilderness Society is presenting an alternative vision for the Kimberley, one that will see the iconic natural and cultural values protected and a conservation compatible economy developed.

“We are confident that over 5,000 people will take the opportunity to show their support for our vision and place their message of support on the Hands up for the Kimberley map,” said Mr Coates.

The Hands up for the Kimberley map can be viewed at www.wilderness.org.au/handsup

Media enquiries: Josh Coates, 0438 805 284

Interviews with members of the public, including Indigenous people from the Kimberley, opposing industrialisation of the Kimberley can be arranged.

Stunning Kimberley images are available for exclusive media use.