This media release with was received this morning. As an independent candidate for the seat of Mount Coot-tha, I will do my best to raise this critical issue in the remaining weeks of the campaign. If elected, I will put legislation before the Queensland Parliament to outlaw the destruction of any more Koala habitat in South East Queensland. - James Sinnamon, 5 March 2009.
Say Sorry Mr Garrett
The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) was told yesterday that their nomination for the Southeast Queensland koala population as a critically endangered species under Federal Environment laws would not proceed because "the form had not been filled in correctly."
Despite images of burnt and desperate koalas flooding the world and on the eve of Environment Minister Peter Garrett performing with Midnight Oil this Saturday for bushfire relief - including the famous Sam the Koala - he has turned his back on the koalas that desperately need his support for the protection of habitat in Southeast Queensland.
CEO of the AKF Deborah Tabart OAM is saying Mr Garrett has lost control of his Department or worse still, does know of this decision, which would be even more disturbing.
"The ironic thing is he is the custodian of our koalas and he should be the one telling his bureaucrats to fill in the boxes - we're tired of doing the work for you, Mr Garrett.
"It is outrageous that after the AKF has poured $8 million into science proving the koala is a threatened species, they still find a loophole to avoid protecting it," Ms Tabart said.
"You have to ask, is this because of a too close relationship between political donors and the Rudd Government?
"I am convinced this situation is linked to the upcoming Queensland election and by September 2010, when the listing decision is due, all approvals for infrastructure and development will have been granted by then.
"I am shocked at the lack of compassion of the bureaucrats in Canberra who know that this bureaucratic decision will see the demise of the Southeast Queensland koala population and I want the people of the world to know.
"Our Governments are prepared to watch the Southeast Queensland population go to extinction for their own political gain," Ms Tabart said.
Even if the AKF submits another nomination, it will not be reviewed again until September 2010 despite predictions that the koala could be extinct in Southeast Queensland within just five years.
To find out ways to help the Australian Koala Foundation save our koalas, visit the website at www.savethekoala.com.
Sophia Walter
Public Relations & Communications
Australian Koala Foundation
www.savethekoala.com
GPO Box 2659 Brisbane Qld 4001
Tel: (07) 3229 7233 Fax: (07) 3221 0337
sophia [ AT ] savethekoala.com
See also: "Queensland Government killing koalas for developer dollars" of 12 Aug 09, "Wildlife also bleed, also feel, also lost their homes" of 13 Feb 09, "Development project threatens second largest Koala Colony in Tweed Shire" of 21 Feb 09.
Comments
Anonymous (not verified)
Thu, 2009-03-05 20:42
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Boycott Midnight Oil - Garrett lets koalas die
Anonymous (not verified)
Sun, 2009-03-08 10:10
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Peter Garrett is the Clayton's Environment Minister
Sheila Newman
Sun, 2009-03-08 19:32
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Prof Short long on population & environment sense
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