The Blue Mountains Conservation Society late last month met with Shadow Minister for Environment and Water, Tony Burke and Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, to discuss Radiata Plateau and the campaign to save it from development.
The meeting provided the opportunity to emphasise the significance of the area and its environmental values as well as discuss the Commonwealth’s responsibility for conserving nationally listed endangered species and vegetation communities found on the Plateau such as Blue Mountains Swamps.
Leave Radiata Plateau Wild campaign has been gaining considerable momentum over the past few months. The meeting provided the opportunity for the society president, Madi MacLean, to present to Ms Templeman and Mr Burke nearly 250 signed letters from community members supporting the future protection of the Plateau. In addition, supporters have also sent almost 140 emails via the campaign website.
The letters seek the support of the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment, Josh Frydenberg, for the acquisition of the Plateau for inclusion in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Ms Templeman committed to handing over the letters to Mr Frydenberg.
“I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the site and the special value it has in the community, as the letters I received from the society show. I don’t know this particular area well, so I look forward to visiting the Plateau soon and getting an even better idea of its natural values,” Ms Templeman said.
Mr Burke welcomed the opportunity to meet with the group.
“ConSoc made a compelling case and it has given me plenty of work to follow up on. I'm glad Susan made sure I met them,” Mr Burke said.
For more information about the Leave Radiata Plateau Wild campaign go to the campaign website at www.bluemountains.org.au/leaveradiataplateauwild.