[Greens-Media] Qld Greens Media release: Coalition split on landclearing sounds alarm bells

[Qld Greens Media]

*MEDIA RELEASE*

*Friday 18^th August 2006*

*Coalition split on landclearing sounds alarm bells*
*The National's Jeff's Seeney's comments on landclearing and 
acknowledgment that the Nationals would wind back landclearing 
legislation will sound alarm bells for voters committed to green 
principles who might be thinking of voting for a Coalition government.
Greens lead spokesperson, Juanita Wheeler said the Liberals and 
Nationals must jointly clarify what the Coalition’s position is on key 
environmental issues before voters go to the polls.
“**Voters going to the polls must know whether voting for a Liberal 
candidate and Liberal party policy will in reality be a vote for 
National party policies on key environmental issues,” Ms Wheeler said.
The Greens are calling on the Coalition to clarify their position on all 
key environmental issues before they can make an informed choice on 
preferences.
The Greens are also calling for a commitment by both major parties on 
illegal landclearing.
“**We are calling on both major parties to further commit to address 
illegal landclearing as the current compliance programs are not 
effective enough with widespread illegal landclearing occurring across 
Queensland,” Ms Wheeler said.*

*“**The major parties need to commit to extra funding and powers for the 
Vegetation Compliance Unit of the Department of Natural Resources,” Ms 
Wheeler said.*
*Landclearing is the main cause of salinity, the biggest threat to 
Queensland’s wildlife, and is a major creator of greenhouse gases, which 
are released when bulldozed trees are burnt or left to rot.*

*-ENDS-*


For further information please contact:


Juanita Wheeler

Candidate for Mount Coot-tha

Spokesperson, Queensland Greens

Mobile: 0402 487 110


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www.qld.greens.org.au

State election Spokesperson. Juanita Wheeler 0402 487 110

Queensland Greens media spokespeople.

Climate Change and Indigenous. Drew Hutton 0428 487 110
Human Rights and Environment. Juanita Wheeler 0402 487 110
Transport and Planning. Greg George 0424 725 719

Queensland Greens campaign coordinator.
Ian Gittus 0422 542 370

Office 3846 0862
fax 3844 4654

www.qld.greens.org.au