Local government candidates running for seats within the Shires of Murrindindi and Yarra Ranges have supported sustainable timber harvesting and denounced illegal forest protests, said Friends of Forestry. Source: Timberbiz
Candidates from the Murrindindi wards of Cathedral, Eildon, Koriella and Red Gate attended as well as candidates from the Ryrie and O’Shannassy Wards of Yarra Ranges with only progressive councillors who had a balanced view on community issues invited to attend.
“The Meet the Candidate forums were organised specifically for timber workers, their families, friends and people supportive of a sustainable timber industry,” said Kersten Gentle of Friends of Forestry (FoF).
“Both evenings provided great information on the views of candidates on a range of topics including, rate increases, candidates hopes for their council, communications including mobile towers and NBN as well as how candidates would reign in excessive spending.
”The forums also provided guest speaker Cheryl Arnol, a councillor from Glamorgan Spring Bay Council in Tasmania to explain the impacts on local communities when rural industries are closed down.
“Cheryl’s presentation shocked everyone as to the massive impacts on communities with the loss of a sustainable timber industry with the flow on effect forcing families to lose homes, businesses close and families not coping with the emotional impact.”
A motion was moved at each forum, which was unanimously supported.
The Murrindindi Meet the Candidates Forum motion was to call on all levels of Government to stand by the world class Central Highlands Regional Forest Agreement which recognises social, economical and environmental benefits of the forests and for all levels of Government to denounce the illegal forest protests which put the safety of timber workers at risk and breach workplace safety guidelines.
The Yarra Ranges Meet the Candidates Forum motion was identical.
Both called on the Shire of Yarra Ranges to not renew the permit for the camp ‘structure’ in Toolangi which supports illegal forest protests and ensure the structure and camp are dismantled and no further permits issued.
“FoF are extremely disappointed that the Shire of Yarra Ranges has decided to re-issue the permit for the CHAG Camp in Toolangi which is supporting illegal activities.
“How can any level of Government ignore illegal activities and support people breaking the law, which the camp in Toolangi is doing.
“Friends of Forestry looks forward to newly elected councillors being progressive and balanced and ensuring they look after the majority of their constituents and not just the law breakers in Toolangi,” she said.
