"A DEAL to resume grazing on Hunter Island in the North-West could become a model for other conservation areas in Tasmania, says the State Government.
... brothers... have secured the lease on the 6000ha island, 40km northwest of Smithton, ending a two-year stalemate over its future. The Australian Bush Heritage Fund [ABHF] says it is a blow for endangered species after it missed out on the lease following an extended battle with the Government. Resources Minister Bryan Green announced the deal... saying the partnership was the best for the island and the community. ``There is 42 per cent of the state in reserves, and Parks (and Wildlife) can best manage the public land under its control by working in partnership with local communities,''... Green said. ... The Circular Head community reacted angrily in 2004 when the ABHF announced its plans to take over management of the island. After a public meeting and street rally, the State Government withdrew the lease. ABHF project co-ordinator Stuart Cowell said the group and its supporters had been working hard to protect the endangered plants and animals on Hunter Island and had raised funds to do so. ``It is beyond belief that the Tasmanian Government, after all this time, has seen fit to take the management of this conservation area away from a conservation organisation,''... Cowell said. ``Instead they have decided to increase the threat to the island's values.'' He said the island was a refuge for... the leafy green orchid [???].... Tasmanian Conservation Trust director Craig Woodfield said the process that led to the decision had been politically compromised, with conservation and land-management issues playing second fiddle to political expediency. Tasmanian Greens leader Peg Putt also criticised the Government for what she said was a shocking decision. Circular Head Mayor Ross Hine said it was a positive outcome on what was an emotional issue. ``Today is a great outcome because of the fact the Government of the day has listened to the people,'' he said. source : http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,18083862%255E3462,00.html ********** additional news item on that topic : http://au.news.yahoo.com/060208/21/xv10.html ********** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
