Tarkine mining

[corvus]

sbs,
If providing employment is exploitation as is your belief it is no wonder that you are now underemployed ( so called unemployed perhaps) no shame to you since you being retrenched gave you no choice and good luck to you as a "freelance" photojournalist, I do think deeper however perhaps you should look further afield and with your intelligence could find full time employment soon .
corvus

[rachelmelrose]

I'm planning to apply to Australian Geographic for a grant to do a trip exploring the tarkine on foot and using packrafts. The aim is to show its importance as a unique wilderness in that it is temperate rainforest and Tasmanian devil habitat and other wildlife. I would like to do an exploratory minimal impact bushwalking and packrafting to take video footage and photography of pristine areas. Advice from experienced Taswegians or people dedicated to the protection of the Tarkine would be highly appreciated.

[RichB]

The question again..How many Tasmanians are employed in these mines?..How many of the employees are FIFO workers from the mainland?
How many 457 workers are employed in these mines?.. How long will it be before Shree minerals starts bringing in Indian workers on 457 visas?? Not long I bet..

[stepbystep]

I'm planning to apply to Australian Geographic for a grant to do a trip exploring the tarkine on foot and using packrafts. The aim is to show its importance as a unique wilderness in that it is temperate rainforest and Tasmanian devil habitat and other wildlife. I would like to do an exploratory minimal impact bushwalking and packrafting to take video footage and photography of pristine areas. Advice from experienced Taswegians or people dedicated to the protection of the Tarkine would be highly appreciated.

Hi Rachel,

Good on you. Unfortunately a lot of people don't understand the value these areas hold in terms other than what can be dug up, chopped down and shipped out. The imperitive is for people such as yourself to highlight the wonderful possibilities available to us should we embrace a new thinking. I can certainly help you out with some advice and contacts. I will be undertaking a video/photo trip to the region later this month, my 10th such trip in the last 18 months. PM me and we can discuss how I may be able to help.

Best, Dan.

[stepbystep]

sbs,
If providing employment is exploitation as is your belief it is no wonder that you are now underemployed ( so called unemployed perhaps) no shame to you since you being retrenched gave you no choice and good luck to you as a "freelance" photojournalist, I do think deeper however perhaps you should look further afield and with your intelligence could find full time employment soon .
corvus

What a strange post corvus...I can't say I've ever been retrenched, ever. And underemployed??? Please explain... I'm possibly the most overemployed person I know, the wonderful people and possibilities I meet through my work inspires me every day to help good people doing good things. Go well!

[corvus]

Sorry sbs,
My sincere apology I was mistaken thinking that you were part of the ABC Tas staff reduction and I confess that I do not know how many hours a week you actually work however your self employment still sounds precarious IMHO.
corvus

[corvus]

The question again..How many Tasmanians are employed in these mines?..How many of the employees are FIFO workers from the mainland?
How many 457 workers are employed in these mines?.. How long will it be before Shree minerals starts bringing in Indian workers on 457 visas?? Not long I bet..

RichB,
You seem to have an obsession with 457 Indian workers any reason other than a racist trait ?? and from what I have observed most employees will be Tasmanian, be interested as to whose " Hymn Book" you are reading from ??
corvus

[flyfisher]

The question again..How many Tasmanians are employed in these mines?..How many of the employees are FIFO workers from the mainland?
How many 457 workers are employed in these mines?.. How long will it be before Shree minerals starts bringing in Indian workers on 457 visas?? Not long I bet..

RichB,
You seem to have an obsession with 457 Indian workers any reason other than a racist trait ?? and from what I have observed most employees will be Tasmanian, be interested as to whose " Hymn Book" you are reading from ??
corvus

Spot on Corvus.

[RichB]

No smart *&%$#! Im not racist ..I work with Indians and lots of other nationalities who dont live in Australia, but fly in and out from where they come from to work in Australia. They are on 457 visas and pay no Australian tax..Dont you see the Govt makes it easier for them to come here to work on short term contracts, which is what the employer wants ..Oh the old politically correct your a racist label because of the mention of Indian workers..pathetic.

[frenchy_84]

I work with Indians and lots of other nationalities who dont live in Australia, but fly in and out from where they come from to work in Australia. They are on 457 visas and pay no Australian tax..

Stop the *&^%$#! and keep to facts. 457 visa holders pay the same tax rates as Australian residents. They also have to be paid the same rate as local workers.

There maybe a few skilled positions that they cannot fill locally but why would Shree employee a FIFO workforce (mainland or 457)? The NW Tas has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country and are conditioned to lower wages, why then have the added cost to fly in workers who expect higher wages?

[Nuts]

Yes but locals are all lilitarate!!
Right through this topic are 'facts' that are just not quite right. Hints of the political undertone from both 'sides' that inhibits any compromise.
I can't see much long term hope without compromise personally, whether it is forced now or the only option many years from now.

Now how about you boys (offending each other into making reports) give each other a big hug or whatever.

[Grindelwalddave]

You guys obviously know this area better than many of the readers of this forum. Lets get back to the original intent. Will the proposed mines harm the area known as the Tarkine? Will the wilderness values of the area be compromised? This is an important question. People posting here in favour are you concerned that we could see an explosion of mine projects in this region? We live in interesting times where the atmosphere is "anti greenie". The phrases such as "cutting green tape" and Tasmania being "open for business" are often heard. A backlash against conservationists and conversation groups universally known as "greenies" has begun. Anything is possible in the name of jobs and development.

[stepbystep]

Yes but locals are all lilitarate!!
Right through this topic are 'facts' that are just not quite right. Hints of the political undertone from both 'sides' that inhibits any compromise.

No-one said all nuts, but the facts aren't pretty, and are at the core of Tasmania's problems.

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/pro ... nt/4970726

You guys obviously know this area better than many of the readers of this forum. Lets get back to the original intent. Will the proposed mines harm the area known as the Tarkine? Yes! Will the wilderness values of the area be compromised? Yes! This is an important question. People posting here in favour are you concerned that we could see an explosion of mine projects in this region? Can't comment, I'm obviously not in favour We live in interesting times where the atmosphere is "anti greenie". The phrases such as "cutting green tape" and Tasmania being "open for business" are often heard. A backlash against conservationists and conversation groups universally known as "greenies" has begun. Anything is possible in the name of jobs and development. VERY scary times, your observation is spot on, the right wingers are frothing at the gills with glee at the possibilities, the masses are swallowing it hook, line and sinker...our political masters are lining up to please big business chasing the short term fix to problems that will continue to beset Tasmania without hard decisions and strong leadership for decades.

But hey, bashing my head on the wall that is this thread isn't doing much good, so with that I'll take leave for a bit. At least I'll be back in The Tarkine soon...

[corvus]

No smart *&%$#! Im not racist ..I work with Indians and lots of other nationalities who dont live in Australia, but fly in and out from where they come from to work in Australia. They are on 457 visas and pay no Australian tax..Dont you see the Govt makes it easier for them to come here to work on short term contracts, which is what the employer wants ..Oh the old politically correct your a racist label because of the mention of Indian workers..pathetic.

RichB,
I seem to have touched a nerve with you however you were the one to keep harping on about Indians so what are we to believe ? if you are Anti Tarkine mining so be it you are entitled to your opinion just as I am to mine.
And I believe we call an *&%$#! an *&%$#! in Australia !!
corvus

[RichB]

Okay I dont like Indians, so guess Im a racist..But the fact still remains this Indian company will eventually bring in Indian workers to replace Aussies..These big mining companies want cheaper labour..I heard a rumour that work choices may be on its way back??..Anyone know about that?

[corvus]

Okay I dont like Indians, so guess Im a racist..But the fact still remains this Indian company will eventually bring in Indian workers to replace Aussies..These big mining companies want cheaper labour..I heard a rumour that work choices may be on its way back??..Anyone know about that?

RichB,
Where are you getting your "facts" from ?? all workers in Australia are subject to "the award wage" so what you are suggesting is indeed interesting ,do these cheap Indians get paid under the counter and no taxation ,come on man what you are proposing is fairyland and I suggest you inform yourself with proper data prior to posting poo....
corvus

[frenchy_84]

Okay I dont like Indians, so guess Im a racist..

Is it because they are better at cricket than us?

[doogs]

I don't like Belgians, they beat Scotland in the qualifiers for the World Cup. If I smell a waffle next time I'm in the Tarkine I'll get really mad

[corvus]

I don't like Belgians, they beat Scotland in the qualifiers for the World Cup. If I smell a waffle next time I'm in the Tarkine I'll get really mad

doogs ,
You are a choochter what more can I say
corvus

[stepbystep]

They say a picture is as good as a thousand words. This photo by Rob Blakers is of the Husskisson River in the Tarkine wilderness.

Venture Minerals call this valley the "Province of Tin' this is what they want to get at and destroy for all time. Not just destroying ecosystems that took eons to build, but the entire fishery, not just the inland waterways but the coast will feel the impacts also, the knock on effects for so many people are incalculable. People that 4WD to Sandy Cape will find fish numbers down and contamination, if that's what your into, you need to have your voice heard on this. People need to understand what is to be lost by the many, not what might be gained by the few.

This is why I'm so fired up about this issue and this is why those calling for short term job opportunities need to look at the bigger picture. Can you imagine a multi day walking or rafting experience through this area? Possibilities for fly-fishing experiences? Possibilities for scientific research? Possibilities for specialty timber gathering? Bird watching? Mountain biking? etc etc etc

Perspective please.

Photo: Rob Blakers

[Son of a Beach]

this is what they want to get at and destroy for all time.

I agree with most of what you've said. But I doubt that destroying it is actually what they want. It may be a result of what they want.

[sthughes]

Of course it's worth noting that the proposed Venture Minerals mine has almost nothing to do with the Husskisson River pictured above. It is located not far from where the Husskisson discharges to Lake Pieman, but apart from a small amount of treated stormwater draining via Sweeny Creek to the Husskisson about 2-3km from the downstream end, they are not even related. The mine is in an area of re-growth eucalyptus forest that has already been logged and mined in years gone by and is wedged between a hydro dam and and Pieman Road. It is not in a pristine wilderness area as illustrated above.

Read the DPEMP and decide for yourself: http://epa.tas.gov.au/documents/venture%20minerals%20riley%20mine%20pieman%20road%20dpemp.pdf

[stepbystep]

I've posted the image of the Husskisson because that is the end game, I implore you and others make an attempt to look at the big picture.

That's the Riley Creek proposal you refer to Simon as you well know. The Mt Lindsay proposal is far bigger and is not in regrowth forest but pristine old growth with a 1sq km waste dump where any spills would land in pristine catchments. Also as part of the "approvals process" no consideration is given to 'cumulative effects' of multiple mines. Make no mistake if Lindsay goes ahead, the green light for Venture's 'Province of Tin' will be on. I'm sure the likes of yourself are well pleased with the federal governments proposed legislation change to fast track the currently flawed approval process?

It's also worth noting camera traps have found healthy devil and quoll populations in the area of both Riley Ck and Mt Lindsay.

In regards to the Pieman, it's already a poisoned river with both anecdotal and measured numbers of fish dropping over the last 20 years, in particular pilchards which feed at the mouth and are the food for the bigger guys. I bet some of the miners like to drop a line too.

[clarence]

Can you imagine a multi day walking or rafting experience through this area? Possibilities for fly-fishing experiences? Possibilities for scientific research? Possibilities for specialty timber gathering? Bird watching? Mountain biking? etc etc etc

Perspective please.

I can imagine these possibilities, but unfortunately 98% if the population can't see them. The economic return from these 'environmentally friendly' activities just doesn't stack up for Tasmania. At last count visitor numbers to national parks in Tas was decreasing, funding to build and maintain any visitor facilities was at a standstill, any money for mountainbiking will be poured into the NE or more populated areas where tourists can access more easily, and there is probably no money for scientific research (which is generally a net cost for governments anyway).

What Tasmanians do not need to imagine, because it is in their face everyday, is a welfare state with a basket case economy which is only prevented from bankruptcy by the revenues derived from states like WA and Qld. The reality is we can continue along on the welfare gravy train because similar mining developments are occurring in other states, whose economic prosperity is continually used to bail out Tasmania.

There will always be some damage associated with mining, but the perspective we need is the FULL environmental perspective- which under modern legislation includes social, economic and ecological factors. I have been a conservationist all my life, but firmly believe the anti-development lobby has gone too far by focussing on ecological issues to the exclusion of all else.

Clarence

[corvus]

+1
corvus

[flyfisher]

+2

[Nuts]

+3, however.. in this case I doubt anyone literate actually thinks north west mining is going to be any sort of economic saviour. After many years of prosperity as soon as the chips are down we need to turn to ripping stuff down and digging stuff up! Sad! All to blame, sad just the same.

[photohiker]

-1

Think of the children.

[Nuts]

Yes, the children, our walking tracks, our access, our rights. I'd be happy with 'because we can' but it seems to be lost on some that this will take 'most' people on side.. not 9%

[frenchy_84]

I've posted the image of the Husskisson because that is the end game, I implore you and others make an attempt to look at the big picture.

If this is truly the “end game” why waste precious resources, money and most importantly political capital on a high court challenge of Shree minerals glorified quarry? All this has done has added to the “anti everything” feeling that most people believe represents the green movement in Tasmania. Don’t get me wrong I think both sides of politics have failed on this issue its just I expect the green movement to show a little more intelligence and forward planning. Where I see the green movement as failing is by opposing everything and not communicating effectively to the masses proper alternatives. Rather than oppose Shrees proposal (small scale and regrowth/tea tree in a region of a lot of regrowth) they should be seen in the community as supportive on conditions of proper safe guards. That way if/when a proposal such as the one your scare mongering about comes along, then it can be said that the Greens are not opposed to sensible development however the “Province of Tin mine” is too much.

I'm sure the likes of yourself are well pleased with the federal governments proposed legislation change to fast track the currently flawed approval process?

Not in the slightest, however this is only possible due to such a strong antigreen feeling in the community and the belief by the unwashed masses that the greens are “anti everything”. Politics is a pretty simple business, basically you can do what ever the *&%$#! you want as long as its popular and with the weak political leaders we have in both Liberal and Labor that will not change any time soon. Unfortunately with the overreach of the conservation movement and its popularity demise, this will see real conservation outcomes lost. Unfortunately it seems all or nothing on both sides of the fence and one team is getting a hiding.