As the election draws near, Labor is accused of abandoning Lindsay’s environment.
The Coalition has pledged $400,000 to support preservation and regeneration efforts along the Cumberland Conservation Corridor if it wins Saturday’s election.
Labor has not yet committed to matching the funding. This makes it the third consecutive Federal Election in which the party has not made a funding commitment to Corridor.
The Coalition, however, has contributed money to every election since 2007.
Geoff Brown, former President of Western Sydney Conservation Alliance and who helped to develop the concept for Cumberland Conservation Corridor, stated that it is obvious that Labor has abandoned Lindsays environment.
It refuses to match the small $400,000 commitment Melissa McIntosh made towards conserving the Cumberland Conservation Corridor. This is the third consecutive election that Labor has not pledged a penny to protecting Lindsay’s environment. This compares to $13.4million by the LNP.
The Conservationists have been urging Labor for funds to be committed before the election, but they have ignored their pleas. If Anthony Albanese wins the election, no money will ever be given to Lindsay’s environment unless Labor makes a written commitment.
Mr Brown said that most voters would find unbelievable that $13 million was committed by the Coalition to protecting Lindsay’s environment during the last three elections. This is compared to nothing being done by Labor.
$400,000 isn’t a lot, and it’s unbelievable Labor would refuse at least to match the Liberals and show some concern for our threatened bushland.
Melissa McIntosh Lindsay Liberal MP said that the $400,000 new commitment would further protect and enhance Australia’s unique fauna and flora.
Ms McIntosh explained that this funding is a continuation of the local projects the Morrison Government delivered to benefit Corridor and improve our local natural environments through the Environment Restoration Fund.
Wayne Olling, President of the Cumberland Conservation Corridor said he was grateful for the effort.
Melissa was able to see the need for further conservation of natural flora & fauna, which has been our goal for many years, Mr Olling stated.
We are grateful for her efforts to secure additional funding to support our vital local restoration work.
Labor did not respond.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Senior Writer. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations.
