MIRABELLA CALLS FOR STATE TO TAKE ON LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
29-April-2010
Sophie Mirabella, Federal Member for Indi, is calling on the state government to listen to locals on the management of parks to ensure their environmental sustainability.
The call follows a guided tour of Killawarra State Forest by local Garnett Frost, just weeks after it was scorched in a controlled back burn operation.
“These forests are locked up by the state government and are now a mess,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“There is dead timber everywhere, timber that should be available to the public.
“Instead, it is left to dry out on the ground, causing a bigger fire hazard than would be the case if the public were allowed into the area.
“The so called controlled burns conducted by the state government were amateurishly executed, not done at an appropriate time and have damaged sensitive vegetation.
“The state government is simply locking these areas up, not protecting them.”
Mrs Mirabella said the management of parks and forests in the state should include local information to ensure delicate flora, trees and the general ecology of this area can survive and thrive.
“As it stands, the government is just keeping people out of some of our most wonderful natural areas, when it should be caring for it and maximising its sustainable use,” Mrs Mirabella said.
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CAPTION: Federal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella, was guided by local resident Garnett Frost and saw parts of the state park blackened by a recent burn off.