JbAUST Al 1tA
FOR MEDIA 8 April 1979
ELECTORATE TALK
Today, perhaps more than ever, Australians are aware of how
much we rely on our country's great natural wealth. We are
abundant in minerals; have vast reserves of gas and oil; and
have millions of acres of land under wheat, sheep and cattle.
Our wealth springs from the land. In the past people sometimes
were careless of our natural heritage. Too often people moved
into new areas, settled, knocked down bush, planted crops and
sowed grasses without any real concern for the consequences.
Now we are at a stage where we need to assess the total land use
of this nation. It is our responsibility to make sure it is used
to the best advantage keeping account of both economic and
conservation requirements.
While it is a question of governments having to make deci~ ions
about parklands, conservation policies and the like, policies
would fail without the concern of the general community. In the
last ten to 15 years, Australians have started to show a living
concern about the environment. It is pleasing that people have
the courage to stand up and be counted on these questions.
I sometimes wonder how the physical face of our nation would look
without the efforts of concerned people. At the same time, your
government is aware of the need for practical laws and policies
that allow for protection of the environment.
This week, I announced the government's decision to ban whaling
in Australian waters. Many Australians believe the harpooning
of whales is offensive to the ideals of mankind. On the other
hand, the jobs of a number of Australians depended on whaling.
Early last-year we set up an . inquiry into whales and whaling.
Our decision was to accept all the inquiry's recommendations.
Our decision to ban whaling completely, and to ban the import of
all whale products from January 1981, demonstrates our commitment
to protect this magnificent mammal. We will be arguing strongly
through the International Whaling Commission for our policy to
be followed by other nations. / 2
-2
I pay special tribute to the work of Sir Sydney Frost who
conducted the whaling inquiry, and to the men, women and
children associated with Project Jonah.
Also this week, the Kakadu National Park in the Northern
Territory was proclaimed. This park will become one of the
world's great national parks. Its environment is unique
and precious. Aborigines have occupied the area for thousands
of years. The several hundred rock painting galleries in the
area are recognized amongst the best preserved in Australia.
They rival the prehistoric painted caves in France and Spain.
The Act under-which the park has been set up makes sure that
the traditional Aboriginal land owners are fully consulted
in the management of the park. Opportunities for their
employment in the park will increase as training programs
develop.
Kakadu is not the only unique bushland in Australia. Of f
the coast of Queensland, Fraser Island has a natural environment
of great complexity and fragility. It is the world's largest
sand island, and its lakes, beaches and cliffs of coloured
sands, sandblows and rain forested sand dunes make it
irreplaceable. In 1976, following a full public environmental inquiry, the
government moved to stop the export of minerals from the island.
Since then, the company affected by that decision the
Dillingham Corporation has conducted an international vendetta
against Australia. The company has refused to accept the fair
and reasonable compensation offered by the government. We
make no apology for our firm stand.
The issue was simple. Were we prepared to watch mining proceed
on a unique and fragile stretch of earth? Were we prepared to
endanger the environment? The answer was and is no.
Australia is also setting high standards of nature conservation.
We play a leading role in the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; we have signed
the Washington Convention on Trade in Endangered Species and the
Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals.
Australia was the first party to the Convention of Wetlands
of International Importance especially as waterfowl habitat.
Australia and Japan have signed a joint agreement for the
protection of migratory birds. On top of that, your government
has actively supported the establishment of the World Wildlife
Fund in Australia.
Our record of action to protect the environment stands any
scrutiny. We are keenly aware that our children and their
children will judge us by the response we give now to the
on-going challenge of conserving our great natural heritage.
We will not fail them. 000o-