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Libs rule out forward selling forests

Posted on November 23, 2009, 3:03pm and updated on November 24, 2009 at 8:27 am

Opposition leader Isobel Redmond has ruled out a future Liberal Government forward selling timber plantings.

Ms Redmond made the announcement at Tarpeena as part of a two-day visit by the State Liberals to Mount Gambier.

“Treasurer Kevin Foley raised the possibility of the forward sale of three rotations of timber growth in December 2008,” Ms Redmond said.

“This would mean up to 111 years of timber growth — state assets — would be sold potentially resulting in massive losses for South Australian taxpayers.

“To do so would effectively see the privatisation of the state’s timber assets by stealth.

“I am making a commitment to the South East community that a Redmond Liberal Government will not forward sell any timber assets.

“The forestry industry is incredibly important to the South East, with the timber industry responsible for 30pc of the region’s economic activity.”

Ms Redmond said for the Rann Government to choose to sell state assets before they are even realised shows how little regard it has for regional South Australia and those families and small businesses which rely on industries such forestry.

“If the Rann Government was to embark on the forward sale of timber assets the employment of the hundreds of people involved in not just the production of timber but in the value-adding industries would be at risk,” she said.

“Regional South Australia is the engine room of the state’s economy and the Liberals are committed to ensuring this continues.

“The State Liberals recognise the value of South Australia’s regions and are the only party that truly represents regional South Australians.”

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Comments

2 Responses to “Libs rule out forward selling forests”

  1. Robert Stewart on November 23rd, 2009 6:20 pm 1

    It is to be commended as a policy if it is set in stone and linked to the support of the Independent Group to bury such a plan. That the Treasurer would sink so depressingly low in community expectations to put such a proposal for state assets that are owned by the community, not the Labor Party is indeed stealing like a robber in the night.. What more proof is needed for the serious depression I am feeling for the loss of $2.9 billion of the State tax revenue “from investments” and this grubby back door political deal to recover some of it to pay the bills, all $10 Billion of them. Just cut half of the 8000 cars, keep the essential services and those in the bush, save $1.7 million a years in repairs for starters. Then sack the drivers with 2,100 accidents a year if the accident could have been avoided, save another $10 million. Sell the Clipsal purchase, get the $53 million back. Take over the 88 Statutory Boards and Committees with one single authority answerable to the ICAC, restore transparency and save millions there. Tell us too, Mr, Foley why the software contract has blown out from $22 million to $45 million and what DID happen to the $80 million of specific bequests to the Research sectors of the RAH ?…and ask Mr. Conlon or perhaps we could ask the Auditor General for a detailed expenditure statement with receipts for the $6 million dollar second hand trams.…

  2. Ebony Jackson on November 24th, 2009 3:11 pm 2

    .…and I thought I had problems when I opened my energy and phone & internet bills this morning.…yeah life does suck in a big way most of the time.

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