Conceding 15,000 hectares of woodland to commercial interests in the Brigalow Belt undermines the balance struck last month between environmental and community needs, Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today.
“The government has caved in to a noisy minority, despite the fact there is an $80 million package that protects jobs if workers want them and new timber supply contracts if the owners of mills want them.
“There had been an important balance struck between conservation and industry last month on the future of the Brigalow Belt, but the greed of some now risks creating inequality for others.
“Communities around the Brigalow will gain $15 million in incentives for industry to invest in value adding, new timber products and export markets, $12 million to employ up to 50 workers in major white cypress thinning programs, and $29 million to employ 69 workers to manage new conservation areas.
“Protecting the environment does make economic sense. New jobs are on offer, new industry is being created and there is a bright future for tourism in the region as a result of this decision but that has been undermined by concessions to a greedy minority.”
Further information: Paul Sheridan, ph: 0410 516 656.
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