30 October 2009
Tiwi Logging Inquiry Fails to Flush out Finances
A Senate Inquiry into logging, land clearing and mining on the Tiwi Islands has
not
investigated the propriety of complex financial arrangements surrounding the clearing
of 30,000 hectares of valuable native forest, despite being specifically required to do
so.
The Senate Committee’s Majority Report, released yesterday, also fails to address a
key aspect of the Tiwi land clearing and plantation debacle
-
the huge damage
caused to the unique Tiwi natural environment.
“An opaque corporate web surrounds this failed plantation venture”, said Wilderness
Society spokesperson Ms Amelia Young.
“The Senate Inquiry has failed to properly ascertain whether the contracts relating to
the land-clearing, the shipping and sale of valuable native forest timbers and rent of
Tiwi land by failed MIS-giant Great Southern are all above-board.
This is in the
context of valuable native timbers being sold at a loss on the world market.”
Earlier this month, Great Southern investors were told by the company’s receivers
that ‘The Tiwi Island operations are commercially unviable’.
“With receivers advising that the Tiwi plantations are commercially unviable, it’s little
wonder no other woodchip company
wanted to buy the Tiwi venture. Now,
Tiwi
Traditional
Owners are left with 30,000 hectares
of potential weeds, no venture
partner, and an unfavorable verdict from the administrators”, said Ms Young.
“With the collapse of Great Southern, Tiwi Island Traditional Owners are now going
cap in hand to the Commonwealth and Territory Governments seeking over one
hundred million dollars to prop up a woodchip venture that is proven to be without a
bright future”, said Dr Stuart Blanch, Co-ordinator of the Environment Centre NT.
“We seek to support Tiwi to develop an economic future for their people and Country
that creates jobs and support community development based on maintaining and
restoring their natural and cultural values”, added Dr Blanch.
The Senate Inquiry neglected to fully exercise its powers in relation to properly
investigating the social and economic opportunities foregone in the pursuit of the
woodchip plantation.
“In a carbon constrained world, restoring the existing plantations to multi-species
native forest for climate and biodiversity gains presents the best outcomes for Tiwi
people in terms of restoring the natural environment and creating ongoing
employment. Did the Inquiry hear enough about these opportunities?”
Media Enquiries:
Amelia Young The Wilderness Society Inc, 0404 074 577
Dr Stuart Blanch Environment Centre NT, 0448 887 303
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