Date: 12 December 2007
DALY PROTECTION CONTINUES
The Daly River will be protected from broad scale land clearing for a further two years.
Chief Minister Paul Henderson and Environment Minister Len Kiely said the Government has decided to extend the moratorium while the necessary scientific research is concluded.
“This is the right decision for the Daly and we must ensure further development in the region will be subject to the principles of sustainable development and informed by the best available science,” Mr Henderson said.
“You only get one chance at this, and we have to get the science right to protect this iconic Territory region for our children.
“Although much work has been done, an additional two years will allow more comprehensive scientific research to be carried out,” he said.
Minister Kiely said it’s crucial to get the right alignment between water allocation and native vegetation clearing.
“In particular, the Daly River Management Advisory Committee will look closely at the Tindal and Oolloo aquifers which feed into the Daly River,” Mr Kiely said.
“We have seen the devastating consequences on river systems in Australia and around the world when there’s not enough scientific understanding of the catchment.
“We can’t afford to let that happen in the Daly,” he said.
The Chief Minister, with his new portfolio responsibility for Climate Change, has also instructed his agency to give priority to the development of a greenhouse gas policy.
“To ensure we get the best possible outcomes for the Territory, it’s essential our decisions are informed by the most up-to-date scientific knowledge,” he said.
Today’s decision coincides with a major escalation in the fight against weeds on crown land in the Territory, with an additional $1.5 million allocated to directly tackle the threat.
Media Contact for Chief Minister: Rebecca Cass 0401 110 389
Media Contact for Mr Kiely: Gemma Buxton 0401 110 064
