Premier must act to protect Whyalla’s Cuttlefish

Press release from Mark Parnell 22nd October 2008.

Premier Rann must act to protect Whyalla’s iconic Cuttlefish population by announcing the relocation of the Point Lowly industrial developments during his visit today to Whyalla, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

“The Premier has a wonderful opportunity today to reassure the people of Whyalla that he won’t sacrifice their backyard for short term profits for mining companies,” said Mr Parnell.

“If the beauty and richness of this unique marine environment was in the open air, and not buried beneath the waters, I have no doubt this development would not be happening. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind is simply no excuse,” he said.

The Government is supporting a range of industrial developments on the Point Lowly Peninsula, including a new jetty and bulk loading facility for minerals, one, possibly two new refineries and a desalination plant. These developments are proposed near the centre of an extraordinary congregation of the majestic Giant Australian Cuttlefish who gather once a year off Point Lowly to breed.

“By driving a jetty straight through the heart of the Cutttlefish breeding grounds, on top of the proposed dumping of hyper-saline water toxic to the Cuttlefish’s breeding cycle, the Government is arrogantly thumbing its nose at legitimate concerns raised by marine experts and local residents. It is ironic that just as the world is beginning to discover the Point Lowly Cuttlefish phenomenon, plans are put in place that have the potential to wipe it out,” Mr Parnell said.

“A precautionary approach to the Cuttlefish does not just make sense for the environment, it also makes sense for Whyalla’s future economic strength. Plans to rename the area to the North of Whyalla the ‘Cuttlefish Coast’ point to the great potential for nature tourism on the back of the wonders beneath Point Lowly’s waters.

“Mr Rann could prove today he is truly listening to the local community and environmental experts and nominate an alternative site for the industrial developments proposed for Point Lowly. I welcome his intervention today,” he