[Greens-Media] Liberal Bega MP fails his constituents on forest protests

[Kristian Bolwell]

Media Release 
3 August 2005 

Liberal Bega MP fails his constituents on forest protests

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has urged the Liberal Member for Bega Andrew Constance to refrain from unfairly criticising local forest protesters and to represent all members in his electorate, not just woodchippers.

"Many of Mr Constance's own constituents have a deep commitment to forest protection. I know some of these people disagree with civil disobedience but they still support forest protection.

"Mr Constance and Bega Mayor Mr David Hede appear to be at odds on this issue. The mayor, who was an opponent of Mr Constance in a Liberal preselection and is rumoured to be considering running against him in the next state election, has a more realistic attitude to forest protests. 

"Mr Constance on the other hand is in danger of aligning himself with the woodchippers of the beautiful southeast forests. He obviously disagrees with civil disobedience but surely he should stay true to the commitment he gave to environmental protection in his first speech to the NSW parliament. 

"The Member for Bega in his first speech on 21 May 2003 to the NSW Parliament said 'The degradation of our environment, the diminution of biodiversity, the salination of our land and the abuse of underpriced and precious resources are a disgrace.'   

Ms Rhiannon added "The long term employment future for Bega does not lie with unsustainable forest practices. But the future is bright for this region if the community can safeguard the pristine ecological forest communities. These protesters are playing a key role in achieving this. 

"People have a right to protest. I have visited the camp of the protesters. The Greens do support non-violent protests. 

"The Member for Bega should have another look at the future of his electorate. Most people now know that woodchipping is an economic dead end." Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information * Kristian Bolwell * 92303551, 0411638320


Kristian Bolwell
Adviser to NSW 
Greens MLC 
Lee Rhiannon
tel: 02 9230 3551
fax: 02 9230 3550
www.lee.greens.org.au