“The plight of the local population of the Green and Golden Bell frog is symptomatic of Government disinterest in biodiversity and threatened species”, said Greens candidate Susie Russell.
“Nationally listed as ‘vulnerable’ the Green and Golden Bell frogs inhabit the old quarry site on the North Shore. There are only 44 known populations of the frog, and of those only 11 are in protected areas or reserves.
“Many people remember the Green and Golden Bell Frog, because its discovery at the Sydney Olympic site of Homebush Bay was national news. The State Government turned its habitat into a major tourist attraction with sound recordings and information displays. Unfortunately there are no Olympics or any other media event scheduled at the North Shore quarry, so commitment to threatened species protection is almost non-existent.
“Australia has more than 400 animal species listed as threatened with extinction, more than 50 of which are believed to already be extinct. Extinction is forever. Our survival as a species is closely linked to all other species. We are part of a web of life. As more species disappear, the more precarious human existence becomes.
“The Greens have been at the forefront of raising the need for genuine action to stop our endangered species from being pushed to the brink. Senator Bob Brown, who will today be visiting the electorate, has personally incurred significant costs in his attempts, so far unsuccessful, to protect three nationally endangered species: the giant Tasmanian Wedge-tailed eagle, the Swift Parrot and the Wielangta Stag Beetle.
“Governments often refuse to abide by their own rules,” Ms Russell said. “If the law says that a particular species should be protected or a particular activity should not proceed because of environmental impacts, the Governments change the law to suit their business interests. We see this at state and federal levels.
“It is up to the people to lead. We saw it with the Heron’s Creek Diesel Power Plant when the former Hastings Council decided to provide the land for the plant. The local community protested loudly and effectively and a stupid proposal was defeated. Had the community thought nothing they could do would change the decision, the bulldozers would be clearing at Heron’s Creek now. The fact that they are not proves people power works.
“The bell needs to toll for those politicians, political parties and Governments who do not exercise their duty of care when it comes to preserving our natural heritage for future generations,” Ms Russell said. “I hope we see support for that view on September 6”.
Ms Russell will visit the North Shore quarry site today with local environmentalist John Jeayes so she can give Senator Brown a first-hand briefing on the issue when he arrives.