Keneally must stand firm

The Wilderness Society Sydney
Media Release
7 December 2009

The Wilderness Society has today called on NSW Premier Kristina Keneally to stand firm on last week’s announcement of new Murray River Red Gum National Parks, as the National Party works to undermine this decision.

The decision, made last week by former Premier Nathan Rees, provided desperately needed protection to the NSW section of the world’s largest River Red Gum Forest and also protected the Barooga, Murrumbidgee and Lachlan River Red Gum Forests.

“It would be a tragedy if Premier Keneally caved into pressure from the National Party and the logging industry to reverse this outcome,” said Peter Cooper, Campaigner for The Wilderness Society Sydney.

“Former Premier Rees protecting these red gum forests was a principled and sensible decision. This is an important first test of whether the Premier understands the importance of environmental protection to the people of NSW.

“Premier Keneally has an opportunity to show the people of NSW her, and the government’s, environmental credentials. She should not let the pressure of The National Party and logging industry stand in the way of these Australian icons” concluded Cooper.