Protecting Christmas Island should be a priority for Environment Minister Peter Garrett, following the decision by the Federal Court to set aside a decision to stop further mining on the Island, the Australian Greens said today.

"The fragile and unique ecosystem that exists on Christmas Island needs to be protected from any further rainforest loss through mining," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.

"It is extremely disappointing that a process issue in the assessment procedure has led to the setting aside of this decision. The Minister needs to fix this problem."

"This is a unique environment. Unfortunately almost every bird, mammal and reptile endemic to Christmas Island is now threatened," said Senator Siewert.

"The Greens are calling on Minister Garrett to do everything possible to protect Christmas Island. The Minister has 28 days to appeal a decision by the Federal Court to put aside a decision not to approve more mining on the Island. There is overwhelming evidence that further mining will have unacceptable environmental impacts on Christmas Island. The Minister must act."

"There is no doubt that mining shouldn't be allowed to proceed. The Government needs to correct any problems with this assessment and ensure that Christmas Island is protected from being irreversibly damaged," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418 401 180