Marine & Coastal

6 December 2002

Martin Fiddles While Wickham Point Mangroves Fall

The Environment Centre Northern Territory is concerned that the Martin Government's increasingly desperate attempts to bring Sunrise and other gas fields on shore to Darwin are becoming embarrassing and are serving as a distraction from the fact that Wickham Point mangroves are being cleared for a road that may not yet be needed.

Environment Centre Northern Territory coordinator Kirsten Blair said:

"It has been demonstrated time and again that people want to see Darwin Harbour protected for the long term, not turned into an industrial nightmare. While Clare Martin and Team NT are kidding themselves that LNG is the green fuel of the future, the mangroves at Wickham Point are being destroyed for a road that may end up leading nowhere. Until the Timor gas treaty is signed, there is no guarantee that even Phillips will be bringing any gas to Darwin. There is no justification whatsoever for the bulldozers currently clearing at Wickham Point"

"Community opposition to the industrialisation of Middle Arm Peninsula, which would begin with the Phillips Wickham Point LNG facility, has been expressed in many ways. We have seen thousands of names on petitions, letters and development objections. There have been people in boats and on land protesting this proposal over recent months. Many attempts have been made to stop this stupidity."

"When will this Government wake up to the fact that gas on shore is not the economic panacea they have built it up to be? Burning gas for energy is not clean and green. Darwin Harbour should be protected for the long term for everyone not destroyed for the short term profits of a few. It is time to stop this ridiculous develop-at-all-costs behaviour and look to a sustainable future." Ms Blair concluded.

For further information contact ECNT on 8941 7461
Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au

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