save the Blue Tier
press release, 8 december, 2003
Break O'Day Council Stand Firm For Community
Water, Recreation and Tourism Hopes Alive And Well
The Friends of the Blue Tier today are celebrating after the courageous and committed stand by the Break O'Day Council in ratifying Option 1 of the NRM Special Committee's report into the creation of the Blue Tier Nature Recreation Area, which recommends Council requests an RPDC Public Land Use Inquiry into the Blue Tier region.
Friends of the Blue Tier spokesperson Lesley Nicklason was thrilled at the virtually unanimous decision and welcomed it as a victory for the past, present and future members of the Break O'Day community.
'Today the Break O'Day Council has sent a clear message to the government that they have listened to the people and the people have spoken clearly and said 'We want an independent assessment of just how important the Blue Tier is to us all,'' Ms Nicklason said.
'They have listened to the scientific reports on the threat to the water catchment, they have considered the potential of eco tourism and they have listened to the cultural links which bind our community with the history of the Blue Tier and they have sent a clear signal that the Blue Tier is an icon of the north east and deserves to be treated with respect.'
'We look now, to the Ministers involved in the decision making process, to respect the voice of the community and facilitate the Resource Planning and Development Commission undertaking an inquiry as soon as possible,' Ms Nicklason said.
'Today the vision of a Blue Tier Nature Recreation Area is stronger than ever.'
For further information contact Lesley Nicklason 6373 6195 or 0400 557 418