LNP backflips yet again on Wild Rivers position

Media Release
The Wilderness Society (Qld) Inc.
17 February 2012

The Wilderness Society today slammed Campbell Newman and the LNP for a complete negative backflip on Wild Rivers within just 24 hours.

Yesterday LNP Environment spokesperson Andrew Powell suggested that western Queensland’s rivers would stay protected by Wild River declarations under an LNP Government*.

However today Mr Powell has issued a media release saying that the LNP had “not yet committed setting aside existing declarations” in the region until “consultations” with stakeholders – which will include miners - were complete.

“What has happened within the LNP within the past 24 hours for such a major apparent backflip? Has the mining industry lobbied for this rapid about face? Queenslanders deserve to know immediately why the LNP can so rapidly revert to such a backwards position on river protection” said Glenn Walker, Wild Rivers Campaigner for The Wilderness Society.

“Campbell Newman has already promised that he will tear up Wild River declarations on Cape York, opening up beautiful rivers like the Wenlock River to mining destruction. Now it appears Mr Newman has the same plans for the stunning rivers flowing into Lake Eyre.”

“All indications so far are that a Newman-led government would be a disaster for Queensland’s environment.”

*ABC Online – 16/02/12 – “LNP backs Wild Rivers laws in western Qld”

Media enquiries:
Glenn Walker: 0417 645 927