Greens MLC Robin Chapple is outraged that Kimberley Science and Conservation funds, allocated in the State budget, will be used by the Department of Mines and Petroleum to map Kimberley geology for development.
“The Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy aims to preserve the unique environmental and cultural values of the Kimberley. However, the Budget papers show that $3 million of the total $41 million is to be spent on ‘geophysical and geochemical’ mapping of the Kimberley,” Mr Chapple said.
“Far from a conservation priority, this geological mapping is to be carried out by the Department of Mines and Petroleum, with a view to facilitating resource exploitation in the Kimberley”
“This allocation of conservation funds for mining priorities is nothing more than a rort.”
“KSCS funds are desperately needed for priorities of biodiversity conservation, and programs to protect and promote Aboriginal environmental knowledge and cultural practices. Again these conservation priorities will be ignored with the funds instead spent on mining mapping.”
Mr Chapple called on the State Government to reinstate the $3 million allocation to projects which genuinely promote the conservation of Kimberley environmental and cultural values.
For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263
