Mostly sunny min 9° - max 20°Mining firm wins access to Irwin land
Published 5:40p.m. 20th May 2008
Updated 7:25p.m. 20th May 2008
A mining company has been granted access to a north Queensland wildlife reserve dedicated to the late Steve Irwin.
Five scientists working for Cape Alumina will travel to the remote Cape York property within a week to carry out a three-week environmental survey of an area set to be mined for bauxite.
The access was approved by the Land Court in Brisbane, ahead of legal action over the mining proposal next week between Cape Alumina and the Irwin family company Silverback Properties.
Silverback purchased the 135,000-hectare Bertiehaugh Cattle Station with the help of a federal government grant after the crocodile hunter’s death in 2006.
Cape Alumina holds two exploration permits for land within the station, which is now known as the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.
The company needs to complete an environmental impact statement (EIS) before the company can apply for a mining licence from the Queensland government.
Steve’s widow, Terri Irwin, has vowed to stop mining in the area, which she says is home to vulnerable animal and plant species.
In court, Silverback’s barrister Wayne Cochrane argued vehicles used by Cape Alumina’s scientists would damage the land and also act as “potent vendors” for unwanted weeds.
Land Court Member Paul Smith acknowledged there was a fine balance between the commercial interests of the miner and the conservation interests of Silverback, particularly given its association with the Irwin family.
“Little more needs to be said of the place Steve Irwin holds in Australian society and his untimely death,” Mr Smith said in his judgment.
He approved an interim order allowing Cape Alumina to conduct what it calls a wet season environmental survey, saying “the fine balance does tip in the favour of the explorer in this matter”.
Cape Alumina agreed to an amendment to the order allowing two observers chosen by Silverback to accompany its scientists on the land, and committed to repair any damage they cause within three months.
Cape Alumina chief executive Paul Messenger said he was “delighted” with decision.
“It will be the most comprehensive environmental study carried out in this state,” Dr Messenger said.
Dr Messenger said his company was “unaccustomed” to the media coverage surrounding the land dispute, but said legal disputes over land rights were common during the current mining boom.
Ms Irwin was unavailable for comment today, but launched an online petition earlier this week in a bid to protect the reserve.
Sunshine Coast MP Carolyn Male has also called on Cape Alumina to scrap its plans for the mine, and has vowed to work behind the scenes and do everything possible to prevent the mining project going ahead.
- AAP
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Recent Comments
We are a lucky country blessed with unique animals and flora, why kill them to polute China in the long term. Its already happening. Someone have the insight to regulate big business and limit mining. Is the shareholders dollar the only thing this country runs by. Shame Anna for allowing it in Queensland and Kevin wake up, I voted for you mate!
There are 7.9 billion tons of other bauxite reserve in Australia and no shortage of it in the world. Especially with recycling of alumina scrap which profficiently
The Pisolite hills and surrounding layers are intrinsic to the wetlands area, spring formation and water flow. Including their weight value. They are still forming and as such are part of the living nature of the reserve and habitat. Every part of their porosity and impermeability is of natural mechanics for the area and springs. They are a unique geological formation well worth preserving and not interfering with. In this respect the lease was very short sighted and opportunistic in it's acquiring and approval and to this extent that has been validated by recognition of the areas unique and extremely rare values.
There is 7.9 billion tons of bauxite reserve in Australia which is extended considerably by recycling scrap alum, there is no shortage of other places and sites to develop here and around the world. The Cape's geological formations including the bauxite formations how and why's are still relative unknowns in many areas of explanation.
The time scale of major damage by mining and watercourse and seepage damage can destruct well after Cape Alumina leaves the area even to leave to surface for future generations, no matter what excuses they can fortify their claim with and the nature reserve area is irreplacable. It should just simply be left alone as Terri Irwin has expressed. This lease was undertaken by the company blindly for profit gain and nothing else without any environmental concern or impact studies at the time or for public concern here and worldwide for an extremely rare environment and ecology.
Dust is a major problem in the area and noise pollution for critical species. It is months and months in between rain in the dry season to clear the dust from the vegetation. They should just drop the idea and have more concern for where they want to profit from for all our sakes.
Along comes the govt and gives Silverback $6m to buy the property and turn it into a wildlife reserve.
What about the mining exploration permits. The Govt knew this was going to blow up. I wonder what they are going to do now? Sit on their hands?
Very good point brewer from Bribie and I agree that this mine is not really needed as per your points but I can feel for the mining company stuck in the middle of this one. Will the Govt compensate them now that they have figuratively cut them off at the knees??
Who knows all I say is the lawyers will win on this one. I for one would like to see it as a reserve with perhaps some responsible eco tourism.
Also I wonder about the terms of the property purchase. I mean that if Silverback should want to sell it, it might happen one day, does it go back to the government or on the open market.
I feel I have a right to know as my taxpayer dollars paid for this reserve which is owned by a private company and not a charitable foundation or some such.
Let's each do our bit to fight back no matter how small!! Everything we do to extend the protest helps.
Send the petition url to everyone you know and let's get something going!!
http://www.australiazoo.com.au/phpPETITI...
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