GIPPSLANDERS SUPPORT CALLS TO SAVE GIPPSLAND LAKES
October 14, 2009
Gippsland and Latrobe Valley residents have voiced their overwhelming disapproval of the Labor Government’s decision to take additional water from the Thomson River and divert it to Melbourne.
More than 1400 Gippslanders have responded to an information flyer distributed by The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, expressing their anger at the decision.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the response from Gippslanders who have made it very clear that they don’t support the decision to take more water from an already stressed catchment to meet Melbourne’s insatiable thirst,” Mr Chester said.
“There is a great sense of anger at the injustice of this decision and a determination to pressure the Labor Government to abandon the plan.”
Mr Chester said he would raise the issue in Federal Parliament next week and would highlight Gippslanders concerns to both the State and Federal Environment Ministers.
“Although this is primarily a State Government decision, the Federal Minister also has responsibility in terms of endangered species and the RAMSAR-listed wetlands and Gippsland Lakes,” Mr Chester said.
“I have previously written to the Federal Minister, urging him to intervene and I will be making sure that he is aware of the overwhelming view expressed by Gippslanders.
“It is an outrageous decision that is completely contradictory to other efforts to improve the environment of the Gippsland Lakes catchment.”
