STONER’S DOPEY STANCE ON FRAGILE FLORA

Wednesday, 03 March 2010 10:50

Total Environment Centre (TEC) has warned NSW State Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell that he must distance himself from his deputy, the National’s Leader Andrew Stoner, after his performance at a farmers’ rally in Sydney yesterday.

"Andrew Stoner stood outside Parliament and called for the NSW Native Vegetation Act to be torn up,” said TEC director, Jeff Angel. “He then led the crowd in an ugly rant against environmentalists.

“Stoner proposes to plunge NSW back into the dark ages, threatening dozens of endangered fauna and flora; creating massive carbon emissions; and reducing the health of rural landscapes.”

Mr Angel said the coalition must choose.

“The coalition either comes up with a sound environment policy, or risks association with the rural extremism articulated by this small group of protesters and some members of the shadow cabinet.”

"Mr O'Farrell must now step forward to inform the public whether he intends to take this policy of vandalism to an election,” said Mr Angel.

“The alternative is a proven system that has reduced clearing of remnant bush, conserved ecosystems, prevented salinity and protected water catchments; while at the same providing funds to farmers to restore degraded agricultural landscapes."