Parrot puts 1000 jobs at risk

11 May 2009, 10:57 am   -   Source: AAP and agencies
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A stop-work order on logging in the Murray-Darling over concerns for the vulnerable superb parrot could cost up to 1000 timber jobs (SBS)

A stop-work order on logging in the Murray-Darling over concerns for the vulnerable superb parrot could cost up to 1000 timber jobs (SBS)

The conservation of a rare parrot could cost up to a thousand jobs in New South Wales after a logging ban was imposed in the state's south.

The conservation of a rare parrot could cost up to a thousand jobs in New South Wales after a logging ban was imposed in the state's south.

The ban was reportedly imposed by Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett due to the impact of the red gum logging on the green leek parrot, also known as superb parrot, which has been listed as a vulnerable species.

The stop-work order prevents any harvesting of red gum in the Central Murray-Darling region, as conservationists say the parrot likes to nest in the hollows of the trees and doesn't like flying over open spaces.

The NSW state government has expressed concern over the order to stop timber production, amid concerns it would devastate the town of Deniliquin.

The federal opposition has also slammed the decision, labelling Mr Garrett a warbling twit for putting the protection of a the parrot ahead of a thousand timber workers' jobs.

Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt says the decision is overkill and if the minister won't reverse it the prime minister should step in.

Mr Hunt told Fairfax radio there are a lot of the green leek parrots out there, and it's timber workers who are the vulnerable ones.

"It actually gives me a great deal of delight to agree with the NSW government on something," Mr Hunt said.

"As one person put it to me this morning, you've got the warbling twit protecting the green leak parrot but sacrificing 1,000 jobs."

Conservationist praise decision

The National Parks Association of NSW says the state government has been caught red-handed illegally logging red gum wetlands in state forests.

"It is appalling that the government, which should be setting the highest standards in environmental management, is in fact flagrantly flouting the law," said spokeswoman Georgina Woods said in a statement.

"The NSW government prosecuted a private landholder this year for illegally clearing Ramsar-listed wetlands, resulting in a fine of more $400,000, yet now demands that the law not apply to its own logging agency for the same offence," she said.

"Patch-clearfelling of internationally significant forests for cheap firewood is not a solution to the economic woes of the Riverina region."

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Your Comments

Take a good look at yourself.

Simon - from Mathoura, 3 years ago

Timber workers would have a stronger connection to the forest and its well being that anyone. It is in their intrest to have a healthy forest for the long term. It has been strickly controlled by NSW State Forests for years.Not just any tree can be cut down, workers are told which trees are habitat and which trees are suitalble for milling. Locally we have known about and have been active to protect these parrots for at least 20 years. We live and work sustainably here. Do you?

n/a

John - from sydney, 3 years ago

I for once have to agree with Mr Garrett, it is because of these greedy people that our planet is in such a shocking state. Remember there will always be jobs out there but once a animal is gone it is gone forever and if we keep doing what we are doing we will soon be gone as well. Money is not my god.

The correct, long-term decision

Stuart - from Melbourne, 3 years ago

Garrett should be congratulated on this decision. A rare species should not be sacrificed as the result of forestry mismanagement by the NSW government. If this government was concerned about maintaining jobs, a more sustainable logging industry would be created that is not going to endanger protected species or Australia's international reputation. It would be nice to Liberal offer solutions for once instead of criticising. A 5 year old can do that.

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