RFA has received letters from both the Hon. Paula Wriedt, MHA, Minister for Tourism, Arts & the Environment, Tasmania, and the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Resources thanking the Foundation for their interest in the eradication of rabbits and rodents on Macquarie Island. Both Ministers informed us that the Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments have agreed to jointly fund the Plan to eradicate the rabbits and rodents there.
The Tasmanian Government is committing $8 million in 2009/10 and in 2010/11, and a further $2.3 million in each of the final two years. The Commonwealth has also committed to $12.3 million. RFA applauds both Ministers, and the Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments, for their commitment to protect Macquarie Island for future generations.