PM Transcripts

J, J ) AU STKXA1LA
PRME FA3NiSTER
FOR MEDIA 20 March 1987
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE TREASURER, MR
PAUL KEATING, MP AND THE MINISTER FOR ARTS, VERITAGE AND
ENVIRONMZNT, MR BARRY COHEN, M?
The Government has decided not to approve a proposal to
develop a silica sand mining project at Shelburne Bay, Cape
York. The project would have satisfied the ownership and control
provisions of the foreign investment guidelines. However,
the Government has decided that the proposed mine at
Shelburne Bay would be contrary to the national interest,
chiefly because of its impact on the environment.
The Gove: nrient's decision follows detailed and careful
consideration of the proposal. Sand mining at Shelburne Bay
would have damaged the wilderness value of the area and
would have involved some damage to the Great Barrier Reef.
It also uould have had an adverse effect on the Aboriginal
communitv.
Our decision on Shelburne Bay is part of the Government's
commitment to the environment. In our nearly 200 years of
European sottlement Australian governments too often have
paid scant regard to the environment. This Government
accepts its responsibilities to protect environmentally
valuable azeas for future generations.
The Governnent's decision on Shelburne Bay has no
implications for the strength of its commitment to encourage
foreign investment. The decision that the project will not
proceed has been made on environmental grounds, not foreign
investment grounds. Indeed, the Government would not allow
a locally-owned operation at Shelburne Bay. The Government
has the capacity under its export control powers to ensure
that no lozally-owned operation would proceed.