save the Blue Tier
press release, 24 March, 2004
Chopper Flight Keeps Minister At Arms Length
Contractors Poised To Move In Despite Plea For Inquiry Still Outstanding
Friends of the Blue Tier were surprised to hear of a chopper flight by Minister Green over the Blue Tier yesterday although no official response to the Break O'Day Council's request for a Public Land Use Inquiry has been forthcoming from the government.
Friends of the Blue Tier spokesperson Lesley Nicklason extended a personal invitation for Minister Green to join the current eco-tourism tour she is guiding on the Blue Tier, for a day, so that she might show him first hand the treasures that make up the Blue Tier.
'We would dearly love to see Ministers Green, Jackson or Bacon, come up to the Tier so that they could see for themselves just how much the area has to offer and understand how much history is wrapped up in the Blue Tier,' Ms Nicklason said.
'This isn't just about unique forests, this is about water, tourism, culture, history and the future direction of the region.'
'There has still been no official response to the request for a Public Land Use Inquiry and it seems that the community is being forced into a confrontation with incoming contractors that we have never wanted.'
'We are still hoping that the Blue Tier will be recognised for the icon that it is and be granted a Public Land Use Inquiry so that the merits of preserving and promoting the area can be realised,' Ms Nicklason said.
'This issue goes to the heart of democracy. The people of Break O'Day have sent a clear message to decision makers and in a true democracy that message would be responded to.'
For further information contact Lesley Nicklason 6373 6195 or 0400 557 418