An alliance of conservation groups today said they will never support a canal estate in Ralphs Bay Conservation Area due to the huge threats it poses to our recovering Derwent Estuary and Tasmania’s coastal culture.

“The proposed canal estate is not wanted in Tasmania and that is reflected by the extensive and very strong community of supporters we have. All concerned Tasmanians must make submissions to the Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) before 6 April”, said Jane MacDonald of Save Ralphs Bay Inc.

“This canal estate proposal shouldn’t even have made it to the RPDC’s table. If the irreplaceable Ralphs Bay Conservation Area can be bought and ruined by a developer – what is to stop the same thing happening to Wineglass Bay or the Bay of Fires? It is high time Tasmania implemented an up-to-date coastal policy and banned canal estates and developments in low-lying areas to protect our unique coast”, said Dr. Phill Pullinger of Environment Tasmania.

“Marine birds and their habitats both globally and in Tasmania are in serious decline, and the Ralphs Bay Conservation Area is an important local sanctuary that cannot be sacrificed,” said Dr. Eric Woehler of Birds Tasmania.

“This hideous development should be struck out solely on social and community impacts” said Peter McGlone of Tasmanian Conservation Trust.
“Survey after survey has shown the vast majority of people living in Lauderdale and surrounding areas are passionately opposed to this development. No slick PR or mainland expert dragged in by the proponent can possibly alter these facts.”

For more information:
Jane MacDonald, Save Ralphs Bay Inc 0406 993 425
Dr. Eric Woehler, Birds Tasmania/Australia 0438 204 565
Dr. Phill Pullinger, Environment Tasmania 0428 554 934
Dr. Jane Elek, Tasmanian Marine Naturalists Association 0427 197 577

Groups include Save Ralphs Bay Inc., Birds Tasmania, Tasmanian Marine Naturalists’ Association, Environment Tasmania, Tasmanian Conservation Trust, Tasmanian National Parks Association, and The Wilderness Society Tasmania.