Greens WA spokesperson on Mining, Robin Chapple MLC, has highlighted the duplicity of the Grylls Barnett government for talking up a mining ban over the Horizontal Waterfalls whilst at the same time funding minerals exploration on an adjacent tract of land.
“The Government’s announcement yesterday that it is creating a mining exclusion zone to protect the Horizontal Waterfalls is unconvincing while it is also funding exploration activity on adjacent land,” Mr Chapple said.
“It appears that yesterday’s statement was issued just 24 hours after an announcement that the government’s Royalties for Regions’ Exploration Incentive Scheme will assist Beau Resources Pty Ltd to explore for minerals in the tenement opposite and adjacent to the Horizontal Waterfalls, as shown in the map.
“Add to this that the mining ban is only valid for two years before being reviewed, and it is clear that there are no guarantees of lasting protection for this icon of the north Kimberley,” Mr Chapple said.
Horizontal Waterfalls has been nominated for inclusion on the Register of State Geoheritage Sites.
