In a stunning reversal of policy the new Yarra Ranges Council dumped its direct involvement with the Wilderness Society’s “Ethical Paper Pledge.” Source: Timberbiz
Friends of Forestry (FoF) President, Brett Robin, said it was a huge victory for the sustainable timber industry, but moreover a victory for common sense and community feeling.
“FoF congratulates new Mayor Jim Child, and his dynamic new team of progressive, genuine, straight-thinking Councillors.
“Unlike the conspiracy theories being yelled by those opposed to the sustainable timber industry, there were no political agendas with the new councillors, they were simply proving they make decisions on behalf of the majority of their community, treat all industries equally and will not be threatened,” he said.
“This is an inspirational victory for our hundred year-old sustainable timber industry that has been ‘battered from pillar to post’ by untrue green ideology for far too long.”
Yarra Ranges Council has had a reputation as a “green” Council, and was one of only two councils in Australia to support the Wilderness Society driven ‘Ethical Paper Pledge.’
This decision gives the ‘green light’ to Vicforests to move its head office to the Yarra Valley, a move that will create close on 70 new jobs.
“The new Shire of Yarra Ranges last night proved they are still green but they also will not be dictated or bullied to by a minority and that they are progressive and believe in building strong social and economic communities within the Shire.”
“FoF congratulates members and councillors who were faced with typical unruly, rude and aggressive behaviour from the opponents to the timber industry who in the face of defeat yelled abuse and were disruptive and disrespectful to all speakers”.
“For the first time in a long time, Friends of Forestry members can say they are proud of the Shire of Yarra Ranges and look forward to helping build strong vibrant communities as they have done for 100 years,” said Robin.
