save the Blue Tier
press release2, 7 november, 2003
NO KNOWLEDGE, NO RESPONSIBILITY, NO RESPECT
Friends of the Blue Tier spokesperson Lesley Nicklason said she was shocked by the response of Mr. Evan Rolley during the 15 minute hearing he gave the Friends of the Blue Tier today.
'We came here today to have an open and honest discussion looking for common ground but Mr. Rolley does not seem equipped for such discussions,' Nicklason said.
'He had no knowledge of the tourism numbers currently visiting the Blue Tier and yet he will be exercising executive power in logging plans for the area.'
'He says he has no responsibility for logging the St Helens water catchment and that it is the State government who makes that decision. Well I’d like the Minister responsible for logging Water Catchments to step forward please,' Ms Nicklason said.
'We understand that in the meeting with Council, Mr. Rolley was asked directly by a councilor about the creation of the Blue Tier Nature Recreation Area and he dismissed it out of hand,' Ms Nicklason said.
'So on the one hand he says he doesn’t make decisions about land use and then the next minute he has the authority to throw out a solution to all the issues now facing us – namely the creation of the Blue Tier Nature Recreation Area,' Ms Nicklason said.
'The mere mention of the tourists flocking to the Tier seemed to infuriate him. Well, we’re sorry but that is the present and the future hope for the Blue Tier and despite his arrogance today the Friends of the Blue Tier will be available at any opportunity to take part in respectful and mature discussions about the future of our catchment, our history and our wilderness,' Ms Nicklason said.
For further information contact Lesley Nicklason 6373 6195 or 0400 557 418