MEMBER for Leichhardt Warren Entsch and LNP state candidate for Cook David Kempton have expressed outrage at the latest attempt by the Wilderness Society to push its extreme green agenda on the people of Cape York by demanding emergency National Heritage status in four areas of the Cape.
In a letter to the Federal Environment Minister Burke, the Wilderness Society is seeking to put a stop to mining development in four key areas in Cape York, including the expansion of Rio Tinto into the South of Embley and the Skardon River Project.
Mr Entsch said the four existing projects would be put at risk by this move by the Wilderness Society, potentially placing billions of dollars and thousand of jobs in jeopardy across Cape York.
If Mr Burke agrees to the proposal, the National Heritage intervention would override the extensive and rigorous approval process already in place for such projects in Cape York, a legislative framework that is sufficient to ensure all environmental values are taken into consideration.
Both Mr Entsch and Mr Kempton want to restore the balance to the management of the environment in Cape York to ensure economic opportunity and community growth are not sacrificed for green ideology.
Mr Entsch said the Wilderness Society was deliberately spreading lies and propaganda about mining projects to whip up fear among green voters in capital cities.
“The Wilderness Society is attempting to exercise its political clout on the Gillard Government by robbing Cape York of opportunities and viable jobs into the future,” Mr Entsch said.
“Their suggestion that this is the best way to protect the Cape is ludicrous and offensive.
“This move would take control of our own land out of our hands and place into the grip of multi-national organisations with hardline agendas to lock up our natural resources.
“This move by the Wilderness Society must be stopped. I call on the Minister to publicly reject this extreme proposal.”
Mr Kempton said a Campbell Newman LNP Government will protect Cape York’s iconic natural areas and waterways by working with locals – not against them.
Mr Kempton said the LNP believes that Indigenous communities, pastoralists and other local stakeholders should have a say in the conservation and economic development opportunities on the Cape.