Halt the Salt

This is our final newsletter for 2007 and coincidentally marks the first anniversary of the release of the Environmental Review document for the proposed salt mine.

On behalf of everyone associated with the campaign we would like to thank you for your vital support and commitment to protecting the unique Exmouth Gulf area for future generations.

Back in January this year we issued our first newsletter seeking your support to stop Straits Resources from building a massive salt mine in this environmentally-sensitive area.

Today the Exmouth Gulf remains free of this proposed development and we are determined to keep it that way!

The public’s response to the campaign has been overwhelming and has resulted in outcomes that have directly impacted on Straits’ plans and the assessment process.

With your support we were able to compile one of the most thorough and detailed list of submissions ever presented to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the organisation charged with providing advice to Government on the environmental impact of major projects such as this.

And we were able to present Western Australian Premier Alan Carpenter and the EPA with more than 3,000 signatures to our on-line petition which continues to grow and attract support both in WA and around the globe.

Collectively, your efforts and opinions have helped to convince decision makers in the EPA and on both sides of the political debate in Western Australia that the environmental risks associated with this proposal require far more detailed research and consideration.

With your continuing help we will convince the EPA and the Government that those risks are too great and this area’s environmental values and iconic status as a tourist destination deserves protection.

During 2008 we will intensify our efforts as we present detailed, scientific arguments in response to the supplementary reports now being prepared by the proponent, as a direct result of the submissions received by the EPA

We also aim to ensure that our on-line petition continues to grow and everyone involved in the assessment process is left in no doubt about the overwhelming public opposition and weight of scientific argument against these plans.

From talking to stakeholders we know there is now genuine concern over the risks to the environment as a direct result of the concerns you have expressed by signing petitions, making submissions and emailing your comments.

Please keep your comments coming to the website and we will ensure they are passed on to the relevant politicians and their staff.

Heritage Listing
We are aware of a nomination to list the whole area proposed for the Salt Mine for Australian “National Heritage Listing”. This nomination is to be progressed by the National Heritage Council under the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts.

We are still awaiting the commencement of the public consultation phase of this nomination, but will keep you informed as things progress.

On behalf of the campaign team we wish you all a happy and safe holiday period and trust we will have your ongoing support during 2008.

Growing numbers of people from Australia and overseas, determined to help protect this unique environment, are making their views known to the Western Australian Government via the pro-forma submission.

Personalised letters, faxes or phone calls to politicians are also very important and the Alliance website has a full list of contact details.

Another good way of putting your views across is to write a Letter to the Editor and again the Alliance has details of how to make contact with the State’s major newspapers or you can spread the word via your own local community newspaper

You can find out more about the extensive support for the campaign by visiting the About Us and Links sections on the website.