Best science, economics will resolve deadlocked debate on land clearing
22 May 2003
HOBART: A fresh approach to land management issues in Tasmania is needed to move debate beyond a stalemate of opposing opinions, WWF-Australia President, business leader Rob Purves told a conference on land clearing in Hobart today.
As opening speaker at the Tasmanian Land Clearing Summit in Hobart, Mr Purves told the audience that "the existing trench warfare" between environment groups and the government was not a winning formula.
"Clearing is a key threat to the environment in this state. Tasmania clears its native vegetation at an extraordinary rate - similar to Queensland on a percentage basis.
"However, I am a great believer that in democracies like Australia you can produce substantial change by arguing your case and providing real alternatives. For all the difficulties of protecting the forests of Tasmania, there are ways forward.
"A new level of engagement needs to be embarked upon," he said.
"Firstly, we need the best science-based argument on the need to preserve Tasmania's remarkable biodiversity. We also need creditable economic and financial analysis carried out by nationally respected experts which will compare the impacts of the status quo and of change.
"It is also my view that one of the key issues regarding any economic or social analysis is the long term value of tourism to Tasmania."
Mr Purves stressed the need to build partnerships and establish alliances with a wide range of business and industry interests.
"A strong partnership with the biggest employer in Tasmania, the tourism industry, is also essential," he said.
"Tasmanian tourist operators know degradation of the natural environment is going to increasingly impact on their business and equally important, on their image both in Australia and overseas.
Mr Purves, a keen bushwalker, is a frequent visitor to Tasmania and has a long-standing interest in the state's natural resources and industries.
"I am passionate about conservation and have for many years been inspired by the beauty of this special part of Australia," he told the conference.
Tasmania could use the recent example offered by New South Wales where resolution of an impasse on land clearing was achieved by combining science with workable solutions, he said.
"A new land management model, devised by the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, brought together conservationists and farmers to work in partnership to end land clearing and is now in the implementation stage.
"We need solutions focused on a balance between sustainable development opportunities and the need to preserve Tasmania's natural beauty and biodiversity This to me makes at least for a more compelling argument to the government and Tasmanians," he said.
