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John Williams MP - slams Government Jobs backflip in DeniliquinLast modified: May 11, 2009 - 4:17 PM
State Member for Murray Darling, John Williams, has slammed the Federal Government for claiming to understand the importance of creating jobs but then announcing it want the Barmah Forest to close because of green leek parrots which would cause 350 Deniliquin based employees to lose their jobs if the Gulpa Sawmill was to shut its doors. In a move that would effectively crush the economy of Deniliquin after the closure of its other main employer, SunRice in November 2007, in which approximately 80 people lost their jobs, Mr Williams said there has to be common sense when it comes to managing peoples livelihoods and the long term benefits of wildlife conservation. Whilst we recognize there should be organizations like the Wilderness Society who wish to protect and who have an active position on conservation and wildlife preservation, it is imperative also that a town like Deniliquin and a main employer such as Gulpa Sawmills is not wiped out in the process. Mr Williams said during logging operations in Deniliquin and surrounding areas consideration had always been given to preserving and maintaining green leek parrot numbers therefore indicating there was no reason to shut Barmah Forest. The logging operations at Deniliquin are well managed and sustainable and has not previously impacted on the environment and still does not now; in fact is has enhanced the environment by maintaining a vigorous forest where an abundance of parrot life has been seen in recent years. Mr Williams above claims were most recently backed up in an independent study called “State of Australian Birds” in December 2008 in Wingspan magazine, where it claims parrot numbers are increasing in forests even as normal logging operations are being conducted. On top of that Mr Williams says NSW State Forestry has for many years implemented strategies and procedures in its state forests which has increased dramatically the number of green leek parrots in not only Deniliquin but across the State. This information contradicts Federal Government Environment Minister Peter Garretts intentions to have the Barmah Forest closed by 31st May, while some sources say its closure may be as early as next Tuesday. Mr Williams said he doubts if ever, that Mr Garrett has even visited Barmah Forest in Deniliquin to see first hand if there is in fact a real need to protect the green leek parrot which nests in the hollows of the forest Red Gums. He seriously questions if the Minister has even ever visited Deniliquin to talk with Gulpa Sawmill Proprietor Ian Danckert to gain the real insights into the work that is done to protect and preserve green leek parrots. Mr Williams said he has also questioned the Federal Governments means of communication when it was his understanding this morning that Gulpa Sawmill proprietor Ian Danckert found out about the Federal Governments job cut intentions on morning radio. It is ridiculous to think Mr Danckert had to wake up and hear on a morning news bulletin about Mr Garretts intentions. His office could not even put a phone call in to work out an initial strategy which both parties would gain from. Ian Danckert briefed Mr Williams on the current situation regarding the prospective job cuts in Deniliquin and as a result the possibility of a work protest in the town was raised. Mr Williams is continuing to monitor developments in this case. Contact details |
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