Media Statement - 19th September 2007
Federal Labor is supporting calls for emergency National Heritage Listing for Judith Wright's former residence, 'Edge', and if elected will fast-track consideration of full national heritage listing.
The impending sale of the former home of one of our greatest poets and conservationists, Judith Wright, threatens to compromise its heritage values.
Judith Wright has been called "the conscience of the nation", for her early, ongoing and passionate commitment to Australia's environment and Indigenous people. Her poetry has helped shape Australia's national identity.
'Edge' is a 41.5ha river-frontage block with solar power home near Braidwood, NSW, an hour from Canberra.
The property is currently owned by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award's ACT Office, and was acquired for a nominal $1 from the Australian National University in 1999. Judith Wright bequeathed the property to the ANU in 1984 for the purposes of ecological research, stipulating it retain its status as a wildlife refuge.
Labor respects Judith Wright's wish that this property not become a shrine to her, nor that it be gratuitously developed - but instead remain an active and sustainable wildlife refuge.
Labor Candidate for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly said this was a response to calls from the local community.
"The local historical society are a dedicated group of people who have been working hard to secure full heritage listing for this important national and local landmark," Mr Kelly said.
"I couldn't be happier to be here today with Peter Garrett to throw Labor's support behind moves to make sure we honour Judith Wright’s wish that Edge be maintained as a wildlife reserve.
"Judith Wright's contribution not only to our nation, but to our local community can not be under-estimated and it is only fitting that we respect her wishes and preserve this property as she would have wanted."
Labor's Environment, Heritage and Arts spokesman Peter Garrett said today:
"Judith Wright was a great Australian - a passionate environmentalist, with a lifelong commitment to reconciliation. She was also an extraordinary communicator through her poetry.
The 'Edge' property is an important part of Judith Wright's legacy, a place where she found inspiration, and I am concerned that its heritage values could be compromised."