Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre offers ‘olive branch’ over 4WD tracks in the Tarkine

PREMIER Will Hodgman’s pledge to start a new era in the relationship with the indigenous community has borne fast and unexpected fruit.

MONA heritage tests

PREMIER Will Hodgman’s pledge to start a new era in his Government’s relationship with the local indigenous community has borne fast and unexpected fruit.

This morning the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre extended an “olive branch” to the Government saying it is open to having talks about re-opening tracks in the Tarkine to recreational vehicles rather than dragging the matter through the court.

MORE: LAND HAND-BACK ON THE TABLE

The Government’s plan to honour its election promise to reopen some tracks in the Arthur-Piemen conservation area by Christmas last year were stymied when the centre won an injunction from the Federal Court.

A court date to examine the impact the Government’s decision would have on Aboriginal heritage has not yet been set but hearings were expected to begin next month.

MORE: COURT SHUTS TARKINE TRACKS OVER CHRISTMAS

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre chief executive Heather Sculthorpe said the community had been encouraged by Mr Hodgman’s words.

“We now offer an olive branch in the legal dispute about the Government’s intention to re-open tayana tracks south of Sandy Cape,” Ms Sculthorpe said.

“We would welcome an immediate start to negotiations so money isn’t wasted on either side in legal fees and court costs.

MORE: ABORIGINALS WARN OF 4WD TRACK PROTESTS

“Mr Hodgman has indeed heralded a new era by inviting the land right advocate Fred Chaney to give the reconciliation address in Hobart. This commitment to the return of land to the Aboriginal community encourages us to come to the negotiating table and we would welcome that opportunity.”

The State Government is yet to respond to the invitation.