Dandenong Leader: Greater Dandenong blunts anti-logging bid
03 Nov 08 @ 09:00am by Rebecca David
Greater Dandenong blunts anti-logging bid
GREATER Dandenong has copped a spray for becoming the first council to reject a popular anti-logging bid.
Fifteen of the 16 councils approached by the Melbourne Water Catchment Network so far have backed a push for the State Government to ban the practice.
Network spokesman Simon Birrell slammed the six councillors - Paul Donovan, Jim Memeti, Pinar Yesil, Roz Blades, Alan Gordon and Youhorn Chea - who voted against the motion at last Monday ‘s council meeting.
With local elections coming up, Mr Birrell alleged they had been pressured by their ALP backers and Water Minister Tim Holding to oppose the vote.
“This is an issue that’s beyond politics … these councillors have essentially voted to reduce Dandenong’s water supply,” Mr Birrell said.
“I suspect the Water Minister has leaned on them.”
Mr Holding, also the local Lyndhurst MP, denied claims he may have influenced the vote, saying: “I have not discussed this issue with any councillor and neither has my office.”
At the meeting, only Cr Blades explained her opposing vote, saying she was concerned about logging-associated jobs.
“I have great respect for what they are trying to do,” Cr Blades said, “but I have an even greater respect for the families in Greater Dandenong who may be affected.”
Councillors Memeti and Gordon later told the Leader they were also worried about the flow-on effect on local industry and employment.
Cr Donovan said he supported the logging industry, adding it had a minimal impact on the water provisions.
Councillors Yesil and Chea could not be contacted for comment.
Councillors Maria Sampey, Peter Brown, Yvonne Herring and Sue Walton favoured the anti-logging motion at the meeting.
Mayor John Kelly was absent.
admin @ November 11, 2008