29/07/2005 - Greg Hunt
MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister
for the Environment and Heritage and John
Forrest MP, Federal Member for Mallee, today
said the failure of the Victorian Government
to endorse the nomination of the Barkindji
Bioshpere Reserve showed it was out of touch
with the Mallee community.
"I had the good fortune to recently visit
the Biosphere and meet with local landholders
from both sides of the Murray, traditional
owners and environmental groups and the message
is clear - the story of the Barkindji Biosphere
is one of success - for the environment, for
practical reconciliation and for the longevity
of this region," Mr Hunt said.
"It is simply unacceptable for the Victorian
Government to ignore these values and the
work done to protect and preserve the cultural
and environmental values of this region for
future generations.
"I join with John Forrest on calling
on the Bracks Government to put their green
credentials to the test and support the Biosphere.
John continues to be a strong supporter of
the Biosphere and its value as part of the
UNESCO endorsed World Network of Biosphere
Reserves and I thank him for his ongoing work
and commitment."
Mr Forrest said the failure of the Victorian
Government to endorse the Biosphere was a
slap in the face of the importance of the
Mallee as a thriving regional community.
"We know that Premier Bracks would rather
put a toxic dump in our backyard than acknowledge
the uniqueness of the Barkindji Biosphere
and the potential for regional jobs growth
in environmental and cultural tourism and
education that can flow from supporting the
Biosphere," Mr Forrest said.
"We have on our doorstep in Mildura
for example, one of the most amazing inland
wetlands with an abundance of birdlife and
local indigenous species such as the Mallee
Fowl and Regent Parrot.
"This site alone demonstrates the importance
of endorsing the Biosphere - it helps ensures
the future of native species and of this region
through the involvement of local businesses,
local landowners and traditional owners including
greater opportunities for long-term jobs growth,
particularly for local Indigenous communities.
"Premier Bracks failure to endorse the
Biosphere suggests he has forgotten the importance
of regional communities like Mildura and its
contribution to both state and national economies
and in delivering on the cultural and environmental
values he so often lauds."
