Alternatives To Control Forest Pests Can’t Be Ignored
The predators of our forests will rest easier with the Minister of Conservation’s decision to refuse and Official
Information request from ACT MP Gerry Eckhoff on predator control in West Coast Forests.
“My request of the 17th of February for papers, reports and cost benefit analysis relating to predator control came from
my concern that the Department of Conservation’s management of Crown land is failing in the battle against pests and
weeds that are destroying the forests.
“Sandra Lee is more interested in protecting the confidentiality of advice from her officials on the predator control
programme on the West Coast than protecting the flora and fauna.
“It is inconceivable that information given by her officials on pest control could be construed as having any commercial
sensitivity. Perhaps Ms Lee’s problem in not releasing this information is that she has no information to release or is
she concerned that stoats and possums have learnt to read?
“The Government prefers to ignore the realities of the destruction of our forests while viable alternatives to DOC’s
control are being ignored,” said Gerry Eckhoff.
ENDS