[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Cygnet Foxes Highlight Danger of Commonwealth Funding Cuts_C O'Connor MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

CONFIRMATION OF CYGNET FOXES HIGHLIGHTS DANGER OF COMMONWEALTH FUNDING
DECISION

Cassy O'Connor MP
Greens' Environment Spokesperson

Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today said getting the Federal Government to
reverse its decision to under fund the Fox Eradication Program has taken
on increased urgency, with news today that a fox or foxes are present in
Cygnet, the furthest south the feral predator's presence has been
confirmed. 

Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O'Connor MP said confirmation that
two scats found at Cygnet had tested fox positive should send a strong,
immediate message to the Federal Environment Minister and the Rudd
Government that the grossly inadequate funding offer made to Tasmania
cannot be justified ethically, environmentally or economically.

"Now is the time for the Federal Government to recognise the extreme
threat posed by foxes in Tasmania, and to reopen the cheque book to sign
over the extra $1.8 million the program will definitely need this year
to continue its vital work," Ms O'Connor said.

"A recent review of the Program, undertaken by Landcare Research NZ,
confirms that eradication is still possible but only if the current,
intense level of effort is maintained and only if State and Commonwealth
Governments maintain annual recurrent funding at around $5.6 million."

"The Tasmanian Government has demonstrated that on this funding
question, it is prepared to meet its responsibilities and I do believe
Minister Llewellyn is serious about appropriately resourcing the Fox
Eradication Program."

"The Greens stand wholly prepared to work cooperatively on this matter,
at a State and Federal level, until the necessary outcome is reached."

"Peter Garrett and/or his Department must be made to see that each day
they play bureaucratic games, each penny-pinched, only strengthens the
chances of the European Red Fox becoming established in Tasmania and
wiping out those unique species protected from this feral predator by
water and distance until now."

"The Commonwealth's position on fox funding is untenable and must be
reversed immediately," Ms O'Connor said.




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