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Government shows double standards in compensation

Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has accused the State Government of double standards in offering compensation to residents affected by a forest fire in the Cobaw State Forest, which started from a fuel reduction burn.

By East Gippsland - 8th April 2003 - Back to News

Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has accused the State Government of double standards in offering compensation to residents affected by a forest fire in the Cobaw State Forest, which started from a fuel reduction burn.

"There is ample evidence from the recent East Gippsland fires of cases that equally warrant government assistance.

"Some months ago we drew the Government’s attention to several East Gippsland residents whose property had been destroyed through back-burning during the height of the recent bushfires.

"Well over two months later these people are still seeking a response from the Government, yet it has taken less than 24 hours for the Premier to announce that residents affected by the Cobaw fire will be entitled to compensation.

"Fuel reduction burning is a necessity and the recent fires in my electorate are evidence of what can occur if regular burning does not take place.

"But I believe it is unfair that the State Government has not answered cries for help from East Gippsland residents who lost fencing, feed and other property, allegedly as a result of DSE back-burning.

"I look forward to the government applying the same standards across the state," Mr Ingram concluded.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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