River redgum forest report released

Source: Liberal National Coalition Media Release - 25 July 2008

Deputy Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said today that little has changed between the draft to the final report of VEAC's River Red Gum Forests Investigation.

Mr Walsh said the report confirms that rural industries and jobs would be lost under the recommendations.

He said it was clear that VEAC’s final recommendations had been designed to support Labor’s stated policy of creating new river red gum national parks in northern Victoria.

“Despite an overwhelming negative response at VEAC’s public hearings by communities throughout northern Victoria, today’s recommendations differ only marginally from those in the draft report,” Mr Walsh said.

“This report is clearly designed to pave the way for Labor to fulfil its policy of locking up river red gum forests.

“Under this report, jobs will be lost throughout the north of the state as the area available for timber harvesting, grazing and duck hunting is slashed.

“Worryingly, VEAC has revised downwards the expected number of job losses and the economic cost to northern Victoria of slashing timber harvesting, duck hunting and traditional grazing activities.

“It would appear that VEAC has deliberately revised its figures to downplay the likely job losses and impacts on communities.

“The fact that country views have not been heeded is a huge blow to the communities and all those who put their heart and soul into making submissions to the VEAC inquiry,” Mr Walsh said.