Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple MLC has congratulated the state government on its historic deal with Rio Tinto and Alcoa to axe a 45-year old state agreement to mine bauxite and refine aluminium on Mitchell Plateau in the North Kimberley.
The plateau will form a part of the proposed Kimberley National Park which will span 2 million hectares of land.
Mr Chapple said he was ecstatic parts of the Kimberley were finally getting the recognition and conservation they deserved.
“The Kimberley is a spectacular region that is truly worth protecting not only for its unique natural beauty, but for its cultural and historical significance,” he said.
“Some of the rock art in the Kimberley is thought to be amongst the oldest in the world – we are talking about some of the first ever recordings done by human beings.
“This is an historic step taken by the Barnett government, a bipartisan step, and I applaud them for their perseverance.
For comment please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255.
Media liaison: Tim Oliver
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