The Boobyalla Silica Sand Extraction Project in Northeast Tasmania affects a landscape rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage and significant coastal environmental values. The project raises serious concerns about the potential for irreversible harm to an important part of Tasmania’s cultural and natural heritage.

The Boobyalla area is believed to contain significant Aboriginal cultural sites that should be surveyed for Aboriginal burial remains by Aboriginal Heritage Officers and Aboriginal Archaeologists. The proposed Sand Extraction Project poses a direct threat to these places, where invaluable heritage values may be permanently lost. These areas should be protected for present and future generations.

Beyond its cultural ramifications, the project raises critical environmental concerns. The Boobyalla area boasts a sensitive coastal ecosystem, home to unique flora and fauna. The disruption, pollution, and landscape alterations caused by intensive sand extraction could have devastating effects on biodiversity, potentially resulting in the loss of species that rely on this habitat for survival.

The environmental assessment for this project requires thorough scrutiny. Transparent decision-making and meaningful community involvement are essential when cultural and environmental values are weighed against short-term economic gains. Government bodies, including the Tasmanian Government and local councils, should prioritise the sustainability of natural resources and respect the rights of Indigenous communities in any development decision.

All decision makers should uphold the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in relation to the proposed Boobyalla Sand Extraction Project. FPIC recognises the right of Indigenous peoples to participate in decisions affecting their lands, waters, resources, culture and heritage.

Aboriginal communities must be provided with complete and transparent information about the project, adequate time to assess its impacts, and a genuine opportunity to give or withhold consent before approvals are granted or activities commence. Consultation alone is not sufficient. Communities must be able to engage freely, without pressure, and through their own cultural governance and decision-making processes.

Given the potential impacts on Country, cultural heritage, biodiversity, waterways and future generations, no approval should proceed until Free, Prior and Informed Consent has been demonstrably sought and respected. Protecting Country requires more than consultation; it requires recognition of Indigenous rights, cultural authority and self-determination.

An immediate halt should be placed on any exploration or development activities associated with the Boobyalla Silica Sand Extraction Project until a comprehensive cultural heritage and environmental impact assessment is conducted. This evaluation should involve Aboriginal communities, environmental experts, and the local community to ensure that all relevant perspectives are considered.

Please join us in urging the authorities to enforce a moratorium on the Boobyalla Silica Sand Extraction Project. Sign this petition to protect Tasmania’s invaluable cultural heritage and preserve its coastal environment for all to enjoy.

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