Lake Pedder from the Frankland Range immediately beyond are the Coronets
and Sentinel Range
Photograph: David Nielson
Bob Brown
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Lake Pedder from the Frankland Range immediately beyond are the Coronets
and Sentinel Range |
The Past
Lake Pedder situated in south-west Tasmania, Australia was the jewel in the wilderness,a magnificent untouched natural formation that instilled wonder in all who had the good fortune to experience this spiritual place.
The Present
In 1972 the flooding of Lake Pedder for a minor hydro-electric scheme created an international environmental furore.
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Across the still waters of Maria Creek and Lake Pedder |
Though Tasmania's authorities cling to the age of large engineering works, there are renewed calls for the waters of the impoundment to be drained.
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Rock garden on the northern beach of Lake Pedder |
The time has come for us to honor and respect the environment and join with people from Australia and across the world who believe we have a responsibility to see Lake Pedder restored to its natural splendor.
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Weather-bent melaleucas cling to the southern shore of Lake Pedder |
The Future
Lake Pedder lies beneath the tide of insensitivity which still curses human affairs. The times are now such that all life may be destroyed for the sake of an argument. But beyond these times and trials, a wiser and kinder age beckons us into the future.
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Maria Creek and Mt. Solitary at dawn |
We will not surrender the Earth. People everywhere are joining in an intelligent determination that peace, goodwill and a longsighted respect for the natural world must gain ascendancy over the rule of guns, graders and greed. If we lose, it will not be worse than if we had not tried. If we win, all future generations will delight in our success and, looking back, wonder at the challenges before which we now shudder. They will also delight in the recovery of Lake Pedder.
The spirit of the Pedder people will yet have its day.
Bob Brown, Lake Pedder,1986, pp.69
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