For the second time this week, protestors have stopped work on a drill rig illegally operating in takayna at Venture Minerals’ proposed Livingstone Iron Ore Mine.
“Venture Minerals referred the proposed Livingstone Iron Ore Mine last March triggering an assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 but it has not yet even presented its Environmental Impact Statement for assessment, let alone received a permit. It is illegal to conduct work on the referred project without approval,” said Bob Brown Foundation takayna/Tarkine Campaigner Scott Jordan.
“Bob Brown Foundation has written to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek reporting illegal, unapproved works at Livingstone and next-door Mt Lindsay on three occasions since November. We requested she takes immediate action under existing EPBC powers. She has failed to even reply.”
Overnight, Veterinarian and Tasmanian Devil Scientist Collette Harmsen has locked herself onto the drill rig to prevent its illegal operation.
“I met with Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek last year and talked about the values of takayna and the need for a National Park. I have had no response from the Environment Minister. It is as if takayna and the Tasmanian Devils meant nothing to her,” said Dr Harmsen.
“I am protesting here in Tasmania’s takayna today because this drilling is illegal, and those with the legal power to stop it have failed to act. Those with the power to grant secure protection to takayna fail to do so and it is the citizens who are defending one of Earth’s last wild places.”
The ancient landscape proposed for destruction by the Livingstone Iron Ore Mine in the Stanley River valley is marked by heathlands and rainforest, filled with pandanis, tea tree, myrtle, celery top pine, and some of the oldest stands of Huon Pine ever documented. It is home to Masked Owl, Spotted tailed Quoll, and Dr Harmsen’s beloved Tasmanian Devil.