Battle for the bush begins in the city
The Age (article), 9/1/04
Conservationists will step up their campaign to
protect Victoria's old-growth forests, setting them on a collision course
with loggers. The first phase was yesterday's showing in Melbourne's Federation
Square of a 70-metre banner, pictured left, depicting a giant mountain
ash.
The Wilderness Society said yesterday action was being planned to stop logging in East Gippsland, which it claims has been overlooked by the State Government.
Spokesman Gavan McFadzean Said the Wilderness Society could mobilise several hundred supporters. He said public demonstrations would also escalate as part of the campaign.
But Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union assistant national secretary Michael O'Connor said lobby groups should not be allowed to prevent forest workers from earning an income.
Picture: Craig Abraham