Christmas Island conservation welcome, but could be too late

Moves by the Environment Minister Peter Garrett to address the environmental crisis facing Christmas Island are a step in the right direction, but might be too little, too late, warned the Australian Greens today.

"Biodiversity on Christmas Island is in deep trouble, as highlighted by the biodiversity assessment report released during estimates in May ," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.

"Today's announcement of a $1.5 million conservation plan could mean some real action for those species endemic to the island, including the Pipistrelle Bat, the Blue-tailed Skink and the Forest Skink, but won't be enough for a full recovery plan for the island".

"It is clear given the biodiversity problems on Christmas Island that no further mining should be allowed. The island needs significant long-term investment and a well thought-out recovery plan."

"Whilst this move by Minister Garrett is a step in the right direction, there is still a lot more that needs to be done," she concluded.

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