Labour Branch Supports Eckhoff’s Windblown Trees Bill

Wednesday 9th May 2001 Gerry Eckhoff Media Release -- Environment

ACT Conservation Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff says he has received a message of full support from the Greymouth branch of the Labour Party for his private members’ bill which would allow salvage logging of windblown trees on DoC land.

“I’m delighted that the Greymouth branch has put its weight behind a bill which would have tremendous benefits for the West Coast. In an emailed message to me, the branch said passage of my bill would result in a ‘win:win situation for all interests. . . . It is an opportunity to make rational use of a resource.’

“I strongly hope that the rest of the Labour Party will now see sense and move to support their constituents on the West Coast.

“By voting for the Conservation (Fallen Timber Sale to Fund Programmes) Amendment Bill, the Government has a real opportunity to improve our native fauna.

“The state-owned forest cannot recover without a huge investment by taxpayers. Money gained from selling this timber would be utilised for the overall benefit of the ecosystem.

“I am delighted that grass-root Labour Party officials support my bill. I now call on Labour MPs to recognise the groundswell of support from their rank-and-file, and vote for my bill,” Gerry Eckhoff said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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