National day of action against skyrail

By Lynda Hansen

BRISBANE -- April 11 was a national day of action against the proposed construction of a skyrail from Cairns to Kuranda in Queensland's far north. Activists here from the Queensland Conservation Council, Environmental Youth Alliance and Griffith University Green Society picketed the Department of Environment and Heritage.

Protesters warned that the project would cause irreversible damage to a unique environment. State and federal governments pressured the Wet Tropics Ministerial Council to allow it. The plan includes 36 pylons up to 45 metres high.

It will run through the Barron Gorge National Park in a World Heritage area -- the first time such a major development will be permitted in a World Heritage area. Construction is due to start in the middle of this year. Clearing of old growth forest in the area has already started.

PAKS, People Against Kuranda Skyrail, a local group of concerned people, has launched a campaign to raise public awareness of the issue, holding public meetings, displays and workshops.

The Djabugay tribal council, representing the indigenous people of the area, is strongly opposed to the project, but has largely been ignored. Barron Gorge National Park and surrounding areas are of significant ecological value and remain important to the Djabugay people. The protests will continue.

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