ACT Gvt condemned over Land Development

[Manderson, Roland]

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GREENS MLA KERRIE TUCKER MEDIA RELEASE 
GREENS MLA KERRIE TUCKER MEDIA RELEASE

24 June 2002

Government condemned over East O'Malley development


Greens MLA Kerrie Tucker has condemned the ACT Government for putting up
land in East O'Malley for sale in August. The 27 hectare site is proposed to
contain 122 dwellings.

"East O'Malley is a prime piece of endangered grassy woodland. I am very
concerned that the government is proceeding with this sale before its
promised review of the Action Plan for protecting grassy woodlands in the
ACT," Ms Tucker said.

"The previous Liberal Government was going to sell off this land last year
but this was deferred due to pressure from conservation and residents
groups. This announcement contradicts previous statements from the ALP that
it would review the need for this land to be developed given its high
ecological value."

"The ALP also said that it would be reviewing the adequacy of Canberra's
open space system. This land, which abuts the Mount Mugga section of
Canberra Nature Park, needs to be considered as part of this review."

"There is a strong view within conservation circles that the O'Malley land
has higher conservation value than some of the other protected woodlands in
the ACT. Allowing this land to be developed will make a mockery of the whole
system of protecting endangered ecosystems."

"I will be putting up a motion in the Assembly this week calling on the
Government to defer the sale of this land until the review of Action Plan 10
relating to grassy woodland has been completed. This is not expected until
later this year."

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MEDIA CONTACT ROLAND MANDERSON 62050161, 041 224 1379


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