Fed: ACT calls for action over tree clearing

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2001
Fed: ACT calls for action over tree clearing

CANBERRA, April 27 AAP - The Queensland and federal governments made noise about tree
clearing but had so far failed to act, the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) said
today.

ACF bio-diversity campaign coordinator Charlie Sherwin said trees were being cut down
as both governments fought about policy and money.

"It is long overdue that a full and proper response to this issue was delivered by
all parties," Mr Sherwin said.

"Prime Minister (John Howard) and Queensland Premier (Peter Beattie) are really fiddling
while Rome burns."

Mr Sherwin said the federal and Queensland governments promised to reverse the long-term
decline in the quality and extent of native vegetation by June this year.

"Are they going to keep their promise or not?" Mr Sherwin said.

"Trees are coming down, tree clearing permits are being issued at astronomical rates.

"All they can deliver is more political rhetoric."

Mr Beattie has called on the federal government to stop playing games on the tree-clearing
issue and inject at least $103 million to support Queensland's effort.

He said his government had already committed $111 million to compensate farmers over
tree-clearing restrictions.

AAP jb/ns/de

KEYWORD: TREES ACF

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