Title: Tasmanian Wilderness Society blocks dam construction (Franklin River Campaign) 1981-83 | Global Nonviolent Action Database
Headings: Tasmanian Wilderness Society blocks dam construction (Franklin River Campaign) 1981-83
Tasmanian Wilderness Society blocks dam construction (Franklin River Campaign) 1981-83
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Content: From
1976 through 1981, the Tasmanian Wilderness Society focused on creating
awareness and education through public meetings, pamphlets, and tours of the
Franklin River. They focused heavily on
the danger to endangered species and ancient rain forests that flooding would
have as a result of the Hydro Electric dam being built. In 1981,
the discovery of ancient aboriginal paintings in caves of the lower Franklin
River region ignited the controversy. The caves were filled with not only
Aboriginal paintings, but campfires, tools and animal bones that dated back
thousands of years. This discovery created an even larger debate over the
construction of the dam, bringing it into the political sphere, as Australia
was nearing both state and federal elections. Candidates chose a side of the
issue to include in their platform. Throughout their actions, the Tasmanian
Wilderness Society maintained pressure to urge politicians to take a definite
stance on the Franklin Dam issue. The
Tasmanian state government announced plans to hold a referendum to engage
citizens in the Hydro Electric Commission’s decision. The Wilderness Society asked
that a “NO DAMS” option be included in the referendum. In the lead-up to the referendum, the
campaigners distributed yellow, triangular “NO DAMS” stickers.