Paige Taylor; 7/1/09; (3 Items)
Western Australia’s Liberal-Nationals Government has thrown its support behind Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett’s efforts to fast-track the World Heritage listing of the Ningaloo Coast, following years of tension between the former state Labor government and federal Liberal governments over the protection of the region. But the Government of Premier Colin Barnett wants parcels of land set aside for development near the pristine Ningaloo Reef, raising concerns among environmentalists who a few years ago helped see off a proposed resort and marina there. The epic fight against the resort drew support from a wide cross-section of West Australians and culminated in a rally of 15,000 people at Fremantle in 2002 at which author Tim Winton told the crowd: “On an empty beach where endangered turtles lay their eggs, one company wants to cut a hole for hundreds of luxury boats.” Yesterday, state Environment Minister Donna Faragher said World Heritage listing would make “tourist infrastructure” necessary, and facilities could range from tents to buildings.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24881993-5013404,00.html
Defiant Tiwis move to control fishing grounds
Patricia Karvelas; 7/1/09
Tiwi Islanders have begun seizing control of fishing grounds off northeast Arnhem Land in defiance of the Northern Territory Government, in a move that could set limits for amateur and professional fishermen, as well as for boating. In the wake of the High Court last year giving traditional owners rights over Blue Mud Bay, the Tiwi Land Council will advertise today for submissions on how the area should be managed, including the allocation of licences. The move comes despite the Territory Government’s insistence last year that it should control licence allocation. The council has written to Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin, saying it will not wait for the Territory Government to manage the process, but will take control itself.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24881996-5013404,00.html
Aborigines threaten return of Hindmarsh bridge saga if weir proceeds
Pia Akerman; 7/1/09
Aborigines have threatened to reignite the Hindmarsh Island bridge affair if the Rann Government moves ahead with a proposed weir at Clayton, near the Murray mouth. Ngarrindjeri elders have told the Government they will not support any engineering work between Clayton and Hindmarsh Island, which is on the table in addition to a weir further upstream at Wellington. Matt Rigney, chairman of the Ngarrindjeri Native Title Committee, said the beliefs behind the indigenous opposition to the weir had not faded since the bridge saga in the 1990s. “The Ngarrindjeri will not negotiate or discuss anything to do with a weir from Clayton to Hindmarsh Island,” Mr Rigney said.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24881873-5013404,00.html
Tags: Aboriginal, Australia, Environment, Rights, Trade, Water