AFTER reading the letter by an Australian visitor (Woodchip menace, August 6) I was made aware of just how lucky we are to live in a society which, during hundreds of years, has developed a respectful appreciation for what is left of its natural treasures.
This development has grown with the increasing influence of our democratic process and a greater feeling of ownership and stewardship felt by an increasingly large percentage of the population.
Our visitor is right in noting the stark contrast between the way we treat our environment and the way a 300-year-old modern state on the other side of the world plunders its natural resources for the benefit of the already rich few.
Despite its youth and sporting prowess, Australia displays an irresponsible and delinquent side to its nature. Its total disregard for its unique environment and the democratic process, as exhibited by the secretive Tasmanian government and its cronies, reflects an immature society.
The Tarkine Forest satisfies all requirements and has been recommended several times for World Heritage Status. It is a global treasure being woodchipped into history by naked greed. How the aboriginal custodians of the land for 60,000 years, hunted to virtual extinction just 150 years ago, must be weeping in their graves to see this continued desecration of their once-beautiful homeland.
Mic Storey,
Survival for Tribal Peoples,
Bleak House Farm, Fulford, York.
Updated: 09:51 Wednesday, August 25, 2004
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