Protestors illegally camped in the Giblett forest block are asked to leave

15/12/97

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes today called on protesters illegally camped in the Giblett forest block to leave the site immediately.

Mrs Edwardes said she would not accept the concept of a 'skeleton crew' of protestors remaining in the forest.

"The presence of any number of protestors in the Giblett forest block is still placing them, the local community and fire fighters at risk," she said.

"Safety of all people involved is a major concern and ultimately the responsibility of the Government.

"By offering to reduce the number of people illegally camping, the protestors themselves are acknowledging the very serious fire risk that exists.

"I have made it clear that the Giblett forest block will not be logged until next winter, provided the completion of the Regional Forest Agreement process does not close off options.

"The fire risk situation is continuing to deteriorate and the protesters should recognise that the time has come for them to leave the Giblett block."

Mrs Edwardes said she was also concerned that the forecast for the South-West forests was for a chance of a thunderstorm this evening. It was anticipated that if the storms occurred, there would be the real risk of lightning strikes and subsequent bushfires.

The Minister again called on the conservation movement to show some leadership and urge the protesters to leave the site.

"The formal process of eviction through the courts will proceed and I have requested the Department of Conservation and Land Management to initiate prosecution action against protesters who refuse to leave," she said.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 9421 7777