Friends of the Earth have called on the Premier to confirm he will
uphold an election promise to protect red gum wetlands along the Murray
following the state government’s announcement a new community
engagement panel to work through independent recommendations by the
Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC) today.

"Voters expect the Brumby government to stick to its promise to
protect Murray River red gum forests and wetlands," said Jonathan La
Nauze from Friends of the Earth.

"This panel must be under no illusion it has a mandate to water down
the Brumby government’s strong election commitment to protecting the
Murray’s red gum wetlands."

"The panel must focus on developing transition strategies so that
regional communities – including Indigenous people – are best equipped
to seize the economic opportunities that will arise from new national
parks."

"We want to see the transition of logging and grazing out of red gum
wetlands to occur in a manner which meets the needs of local
communities."

"The state government has before it an excellent report by VEAC
which it commissioned, recommending new parks, reductions in logging,
an end to grazing in wetlands and more water for environmental flows."

"The recommendations are scientifically based and included
considerable community consultation, and allow for the same
recreational access for locals and tourists who have enjoyed camping
along the Murray for years. The benefits to the regional economy along
the Murray will be significant," said Mr La Nauze

Further comment: Jonathan La Nauze m: 0402 904 251