Rally told Minister 'caved in'
to logging company
video of the rally is on You Tube at http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=ICycJXAS-J8
A community rally called to look at Strzelecki rainforest under threat from an agreement between the Victorian Government and Hancock Victorian Plantations was told on Sunday that Environment Minister Gavin Jennings had 'caved in' to company demands.
Ms Susie Zent, President of Friends of Gippsland Bush told almost 100 locals who had gathered to look at some of the forest which is now earmarked for woodchipping that “the Minister simply caved in rather than hold out for better deal.
A community forum will be held in Boolara Memorial Hall on Sunday July 27 to plan the next steps.The flier for this event can be downloaded at http://www.fourthcrossingwildlife.com/stomp.pdf
“We don't know what the Government is buying for the $5.5 million it is giving the company, because the community was excluded from the final negotiations.
“They haven't even shown us the maps which tends to indicate that they have something to hide,” Ms Zent said.
Friends of the Earth forest campaigner Anthony Amis said the deal had been given dubious credibility with the endorsement of The Wilderness Society and the Victorian National Parks Association. “They welcomed the deal as soon as it was announced but VNPA has since backed down from its endorsement. Neither organisation has any understanding of the issues here in the Strzeleckis.
“But Hancocks made sure that their press release welcoming this shoddy deal was widely distributed. Both TWS and the VNPA were used as patsies by the Government and by Hancocks,” he said.
The rally was billed as the last chance to help save the threatened rainforest of the Cores and Links (an area scientifically assessed by independent consultants to link up the Tara Bulga and Morwell National Parks)
Parts of the vital area, including College Creek, are listed sites of national significance and are the last remaining strongholds for many flora and fauna species including: Endemic Strzelecki koala; Yellow bellied glider; Greater glider; Powerful owls and one of Australia’s rarest slender forked ferns.
Participants on the rally met at Martin Walker Reserve at Yinnar South and then travelled along Budgeree Road to the Grand Ridge Road stopping at various sites to assess for themselves the current state of the forest management. The group broke for lunch at English's Corner after which some continued on to Merriman's Creek and Mt Tassie.
ABC Television's Stateline program ran a segment on the Strzelecki 'deal'. It gave cold comfort to Minister Jennings and Hancock CEO Linda Sewell. If you missed it we have a DVD available or have a look at the transcript: http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/vic/content/2006/s2288264.htm
The 'deal' is yet to be signed, and the company's track record suggests that no binding agreement may be reached. It seems that Minister Jennings is being taken for a ride (despite all the warnings his staff were given).
Tags:
gavin jennings, hancock victorian plantations, strzelecki rainforest
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