A MINING company has been granted access to a Cape York wildlife reserve dedicated to the late Steve Irwin.

Five scientists working for Cape Alumina will travel to the remote property within a week to carry out a three-week environmental survey of an area set to be mined for bauxite.

The access was approved by the Land Court in Brisbane yesterday, ahead of legal action over the mining proposal next week between Cape Alumina and the Irwin family company Silverback Properties.

Silverback purchased the 135,000ha Bertiehaugh Cattle Station with the help of a Federal Government grant after the crocodile hunter’s death in 2006.

Cape Alumina holds two exploration permits for land within the station, which is now known as the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.

The company needs to complete an environmental impact statement before the company can apply for a mining licence.

Steve Irwin’s widow Terri wants to stop mining in the area which she says is home to vulnerable animal and plant species.

In court yesterday, Silverback’s barrister Wayne Cochrane argued vehicles used by Cape Alumina’s scientists would damage the land and also act as "potent vendors" for unwanted weeds.

Land Court Member Paul Smith
acknowledged there was a fine balance between the commercial interests of the miner and the conservation interests of Silverback, particularly given its association with the Irwin family.

"Little more needs to be said of the place Steve Irwin holds in Australian society and his untimely death," Mr Smith said.

He approved an interim order allowing Cape Alumina to conduct what it calls a wet season environmental survey, saying "the fine balance does tip in the favour of the explorer in this matter".

Cape Alumina agreed to an amendment to the order allowing two observers chosen by Silverback to accompany its scientists on the land, and committed to repair any damage they cause within three months.

Cape Alumina chief executive Paul Messenger said he was "delighted" with decision.

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