Lateral Thinking Part 2 — Bronwyn Davies Studio

The Environment

Climate change is upon us, the loss of biodiversity, ecosystem collapse, another coral bleaching episode on the Barrier Reef, more flooding.

Spending time recently in Tasmania’s Tarkine rainforest as part of the Bob Brown Foundation Art for Tarkayna, I was astounded to see the disregard for the natural environment by our sitting Minister for Environment Susan Ley.
Gigantic Tree ferns and Ancient Myrtles 700 years old, rare lichens and mosses, endangered owls, eagles and parrots just to mention a few natural wonders we will soon see disappear if the toxic tailings dam goes ahead.

““The Tarkine is one of the great last unprotected wild areas on the planet and here we have in Australia, 100,000 hectares of the largest temperate rainforest of this type left on the planet and it’s facing death by 1,000 cuts.” ”

— Bob Brown -Four Corners

The Message from the powers that be is

“Critical minerals are absolutely essential to support the transition to renewable energy. …. It's absolutely ironic, but to save the planet, we are going to need more mines. “ ALLISON BRITT,DIRECTOR, MINERAL RESOURCES, GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA: Four Corners

Control of these minerals will determine who leads the next industrial revolution … dominated by the switch to green power…..As the boom gathers pace … the Minerals Council of Australia has successfully lobbied the Federal Government ... to speed up development approvals for new mines. The changes would cut back on the need for environmental approvals at both the state and federal level. ANGUS GRIGG, REPORTER Four Corners

The faster we can get environmental approvals secured, the better it is for mining, and that means that we will bring the mines of the future forward. TANIA CONSTABLE, CEO, MINERALS COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA: Four Corners 9 May 2022 Digging In

I do not accept that.

It really feels like something from the script of Avatar!.

There are so many environmental issues to be addressed. On the issue of the Tarkine, there are other options for the Rosebery mine in Tasmania that will not see this rare forest destroyed.

From my understanding the mining company in Tasmania is not required to undertake an environmental impact study for proposed work nor to undertake a cultural heritage study. Yet the are significant Petroglyphs in the Tarkine coast dated 6-8000 years old and said to be as important as Abu Simal in Egypt comparing favourably in terms of antiquity and cultural significance with the rock art that is located in mainland Australian World Heritage Areas, such as Kakadu, Purnululu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta.( see source)

There should have been consequences for the lack of controls on the original tailings dam that was insufficiently lined, has already reached capacity ands had 18 incidents of spillage into the Pieman River over the past five years. This is something that requires more investigation. The company MMG has a bad track record for mining cobalt in the Congo, in Peru and now in Tasmania. they talk about jobs but 500 jobs in a mine compared to how many might benefit from eco tourism, research and other environmentally focussed endeavours.

In the mean time the conservationists are fighting to prevent the mining crew from commencing work. Intelligent people of all ages, from all walks of life are volunteering to join the blockade. Literally putting themselves on the line.

Thinking laterally…

what if we think of natures value differently and holistically?
Measuring the value of Natural capital.- The notion that the wealth of a nation or a business is more than just what its people can produce. The value of “natural capital” — the sources of the services that nature provides, including fresh water, flood control and forest products — is just as important, and often overlooked.
a moratorium on mining until we have adequate cultural heritage and environmental impact laws in place
mitigation and rehabilitation plans for public approval
exhaustive studies on all locations for proposed mining sites and what the natural capital at risk is
investigation into the opportunities for eco and nature tourism
assessment of the employment possibilities for the threatened area to be considered instead for eco tourism and retraining for people impacted.