DATE: 5 September 2007
MEDIA STATEMENT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Murphy's Bush Doomed If We Don't Act Now

The proposed development of land surrounding Murphy’s Bush spells the doom of Murphy’s Bush says Dene André, ARC Candidate for Manukau in the upcoming local body elections. A long time environmental campaigner, Mr André also happens to be Chairman of Forest and Bird South Auckland.

He says “as soon as people move into the houses that are built, there will be a flood of cats, dogs, rats and mice into the bush and that’ll be the end for wildlife. In ten years most birds, skinks and other small creatures will be dead, gone forever.”

The comments come just as the City is preparing to make a decision on a proposal to protect the bush. Sponsored by the community’s environmental liaison group, and endorsed by Dr White of Manukau Parks, the proposal plans to ring the Bush with a predator proof fence.

“This is the only effective way to protect wildlife in the bush from predators,” says Mr André. “It’s doubly important because not only will all of these bush creatures die out but this will also impact the bush itself as many of them play a critical in the health of the bush.”

The Council owns nearly all of the land surrounding Murphy’s Bush and acquired it some time ago with the ostensible purpose of protecting the bush. Neighbours only learned in January this year that the Council plans to build a residential subdivision on the land surrounding the bush. Following strong community input, Council is currently in the process of finalising those plans with the intention of releasing them for public consultation.

“We must act now,” says Mr André. “Experience tells us that by the time the plans are released it will be too late to make changes.”

Asked what people can do to support action to save Murphy’s Bush, Mr Andre says, “The funds are there for projects like this so it would be good if people could write in to Council supporting a predator proof fence.”

He also says, “It’s election time so I challenge the Mayoral candidates to step up and tell us if they’re prepared to help save Murphy’s Bush before it’s too late. If we don’t act now the bush is doomed.”

END.

© Scoop Media