The centrepiece of Tasmania’s forest peace deal, a 120,000ha extension to the state’s world heritage area, is in doubt because of concerns by the World Heritage Committee. Source: The Australian
The Liberals seized on a draft decision of the committee to refer the extension back to Australia for more consultation with Tasmania’s Aboriginal community.
Unless the committee grants the extension it is unlikely to proceed as the Coalition and state Liberals, both tipped to take government in coming months, oppose the move.
Any rejection could trigger environment groups to withdraw support for the landmark Tasmanian Forest Agreement.
Former Liberal senator and current state Liberal candidate Guy Barnett said the extension appeared doomed due to Labor’s failure to adequately consult indigenous groups.
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke denied the extension – providing global recognition and protection for tracts of forest in the Great Western Tiers and Styx, Florentine and Weld valleys faced defeat.
