Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers

9 January 2010

I sent an e-mail to Carolyn Male regarding her work in trying to prevent the mining of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve. Ms Male was very kind to respond to me the same day, while on holidays with her family. We greatly appreciate Ms Male being so passionate on this issue to respnd to me in these circumstances. Below is both my e-mail to Ms Male and her response.

Good afternoon Carolyn,

I have just read your parliamentary speech of April 2009 regarding the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve (SIWR) and commend you on a job well done.

I am very concerned with Cape Alumina Pty Ltd’s desire to mine the SIWR & Wenlock River Basin for bauxite. My concerns are that the ecology and hydrology of this unique ecosystem will be lost forever if they are allowed to extract the 50,000,000 tonnes of bauxite they desire.

I understand Anna Bligh & Stephen Robertson have ignored Terri Irwin’s 250,000 signature petition against Cape Alumina’s mining desires and as such I have decided to take up the fight personally.

I have focused on the modern version of the petition being Facebook and have established a Facebook group called STOP Anna Bligh & Cape Alumina mining the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve and have also established a linked website at www.savethewenlock.com<http://www.savethewenlock.com/>

I intend to gather in excess of 250,000 fans to this Facebook group in order to present an overwhelming show of public support against Cape Alumina’s mining desires on Cape York. In less than 6 days this Facebook Group has close to 2,000 fans.

I would be most interested in your views and any assistance you may be able to offer.

Kind Regards,

Michael

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Dear Michael

Thank you for your email.

I have been working on this issue for quite a while now - which is why I continue to speak with the Minister responsible for mining on a regular basis, as well as staying in contact with The Wilderness Society and other interested parties.

I am currently on leave with my family, so do not have all of the relevant information in front of me in relation to the actual mining application.

But the first major consideration is the declaration of the Wenlock River as a Wild River and having its area described in detail. This process is still ongoing, and I am hoping that information about the hydrology and other matters which have been presented will help to ensure the protection of this important river that the SIWR borders on to. I am glad that the decision has been delayed so that all relevant information can be put before the Minister before he makes his decision.

I disagree with your statement in para 3 as I know both the Premier and the Minister pay close attention to petitions and personal representations on this matter. I have just late last year sponsored the on-line e-petition to go back on again so that more people can add their voice to this important issue. But there is a process for all mining applications which must be worked through, and this is simply what is happening.

It is important that the science behind the reason that we don't want any mining on the SIWR is strong and proven, so that there can be no alternative option but to stop mining altogether.

I will continue to work within my capabilities to stop this from happening.

Don't forget - it is Cape Alumina who could stop this mining application now, and I would ask you to consider also directing a petition towards Cape Alumina asking them to withdraw their application.

Please keep me informed of your progress with the Facebook group and any other information you have which would be helpful.

Kind regards

Carolyn Male MP
State Member for Pine Rivers