Paper debates reignite as new Mayor moves to withdraw Council support for Ethical Paper

Paper debates reignite as new Mayor moves to withdraw Council support for Ethical Paper

Moves by new Shire of Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, to rescind the Council’s position on the procurement of ethical paper are socially and environmentally regressive.

“Given Council’s stated mission is to ‘protect and enhance the local environment’ it is absolute hypocrisy to shift from the current stance on procurement of ethical copy and printer paper, to use paper that drives the destruction of local native forests,” said Victorian Forest Campaigner for The Wilderness Society, Amelia Young.

Council is one of thousands of leading organisations and businesses across the country rejecting Reflex copy paper and finding sustainable alternatives by signing the Ethical Paper Pledge.

“This hard fought for environmental gain appears to be under direct threat from agitators in the pro-logging lobby who are seeking to wind back the Council’s progressive and creditable stance on paper procurement.”

Cr Child’s motion will be considered by Council on Tuesday 11 December, 2012.

“Apparently Baillieu government logging minister, Peter Walsh, continues to hold Council to ransom over their positive stance on copy paper procurement which, as it currently sits, underpins Council’s efforts to protect and enhance the local environment,” said Ms Young.

“The Shire of Yarra Ranges should not be lent on to prop up the ailing and outdated native forest logging industry.”

“To now consider buying copy paper that’s made from the wholesale destruction of forests in the heart of the Yarra Ranges is an awful prospect for many local residents.”

“Let’s not forget that Australian Paper, manufacturers of Reflex and Australian copy papers, lost the ability to put FSC accreditation on their products. For Council to consider purchasing controversial copy papers that come from the very forests the local community wants protected, and to withdraw from the Ethical Paper Pledge, is risky, regressive and counter to good local governance,” concluded Ms Young.

For Comment:
Amelia Young: 0404 074 577