Lake Malbena Adjournment Speech 3 April 2025
Another day, another sorry chapter in the Lake Malbena saga as Minister Duigan has once again shamelessly and despite all available evidence extended the exclusive lease over Halls Island at Lake Malbena, in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
There is an explicit condition of the lease that the proponent, Wild Drake, must have made all the necessary referrals, provided all plans, and reports by the designated deadline which was 31 March, 2025.
There is no evidence the proponent has made any serious attempt to progress the outstanding ‘thorough aboriginal cultural heritage assessment’ which was requested by the Federal Environment department back in November 2023.
If the Minister can’t reasonably and transparently demonstrate to Tasmanians and the aboriginal community that he has exercised due diligence in leasing public land, he hasn’t adhered to his basic responsibilities as Minister.