GOVERNMENT RE-THINK DPI WEEDS STAFF SACKINGS

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, says that the Bracks’ Government is re-thinking its savage cut back of DPI weed control staff.

Dr Sykes said, “Local Landcare and Weed Action Group members’ strong support for front line DPI weed control staff who faced sacking, has caused the Bracks’ Government to re-think its decision.

“I raised this issue in Parliament four weeks ago….. loss of local front line weed control staff at a time when the Minister continues to proudly boast of increased funding for weed control, simply doesn’t stack up.

“Current proposals by DPI/DSE include the loss of front line positions at Ovens, Whitfield, Benalla and Euroa.

“This will threaten excellent local cooperative control programs for Patterson’s Curse, blackberries and pest animals.

“The Whitfield Moyhu Weed Action Group, Warby Range Landcare and Rabbit Control Group and Bonnie Doon Community Group are amongst the groups who are extremely agitated by the Government walking away from successful cooperative programs.

Dr Sykes continued, “Only a few weeks ago Mr Thwaites proudly announced the retention of two wild dog management positions in North East Victoria. He then follows with the decision to sack at least 13 weed and pest animal field staff and relocate many others to more central locations.

“This is yet another example of Mr Bracks and Mr Thwaites paying ‘lip service’ to weed and pest animal management, to loyal DPI staff and their families and to country Victoria in general.

“I call on Mr Bracks and Mr Thwaites to get control of their city based bureaucrats and honour their commitment to ‘govern for all Victorians’ by increasing the number of front line weed and pest animal control staff to work with dedicated community groups to combat serious weed and pest animal problems.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989