Tasmanian Government refuses to help save Macquarie Island
In the November edition of Futuremakers we featured a story about the threats facing World Heritage-listed Macquarie Island. The island is home to a staggering array of wildlife, including threatened species, which sadly are under serious threat from pests like rats and rabbits.
Responding to the article, hundreds of people joined our petition calling on the Federal and Tasmanian governments to implement a plan to protect the island from these devastating invasive species. We also partnered with Peregrine Adventures and together committed $100,000 to kick start certain parts of the plan.
Disappointing move
In an disappointing move, Tasmanian Environment Minister Paula Wriedt this week confirmed the Tasmanian Government is refusing to be part of the solution and will not contribute any funding towards the eradication plan for rabbits and rodents on Macquarie Island.
"Despite a commitment from the Australian Government to pay half of the $24.6 million needed to carry out the vital eradication plan, the Tasmania Government is simply refusing to take any responsibility to implement the long-term solution for the island," said WWF's Invasive Species Policy Officer, Julie Kirkwood.
In refusing to co-fund the Macquarie Island rabbit and rodent eradication plan, Tasmania is increasing the vulnerability of the threatened grey-headed albatross to extinction in Australia. The only known breeding site in Australia for the birds is on Macquarie Island's Petrel Peak and this area is being rapidly degraded by severe rabbit overgrazing.
"The simple fact is that Tasmania owns the island and is responsible for its day-to-day management, including feral animal control," Julie said.
"The State has a statutory obligation to responsibly manage the island under its own laws. Not meeting the Australian Government half way on funding the plan, or announcing a reasonable counter-offer continues the stalemate between the Tasmanian and Australian governments."
Responsible management of the island
At worst, WWF was expecting the Tasmanian Government to put a reasonable counter offer to the Australian Government's offer to pay half the $24.6 million bill for the eradication plan but this week's announcement shows the Tasmanian Government has no interest in fulfilling its legal obligations under the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act to responsibly manage the Macquarie Island Nature Reserve.
"Tasmania's mismanagement of Macquarie Island and continued stalling on finding a solution to the problem of invasive animals on the island is damaging Australia's international reputation as a strong steward of important natural values," Ms Kirkwood said.
Visit Macquarie Island (virtually)
The Macquarie Island re-supply ship, Aurora Australis, leaves Hobart on April 6, carrying the Automatic Weather Station purchased by WWF and Peregrine Adventures to assist in the eradication plan. Julie Kirkwood will be blogging about the trip from the ship, sharing her experience of this remarkable island.
