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Pest Plant And Animal Positions Go

Gippsland MP and The Nationals Environment spokesman, Peter Hall has lashed out at the Bracks Government’s proposed drastic reduction in Pest Plant and Animal Officer positions.

By Peter Hall - 1st July 2005 - Back to News

The Department of Primary Industries has embarked on a process to remove 13 officers from the North Central, North East, Goulburn Broken, West Gippsland and East Gippsland regions, leaving only 37 dedicated positions in pest plant and animal management within these 5 regions.

"This could not come at a worse time with weed infestations as prevalent as ever and rabbits, foxes and wild dogs all on the increase," Mr Hall said.

"The demand is as great as ever but budget cutbacks have forced these measures on DPI."

Mr Hall said staff had been briefed and been advised of the cuts and told they would have to apply for the reduced number of positions. Expressions of interest opened on 27 June and close on July 11. Mr Hall said those staff unsuccessful in gaining a position and unable to move to a new region had been told they will be the subject of a targeted separation package.

In Gippsland, the number of Pest Plant and Pest animal officer positions will be reduced from 16 to 11. Positions at the Mirboo North, Yarram and Orbost offices will be abolished leaving local communities without ready access to staff. In addition, Mr Hall claimed staff working at centralised locations will now spend much valuable time travelling to and from locations to do their on-ground work.

"This is a further "Bracks Bullet" to an important country service," Mr Hall said.

"The Government is happy to spend money on propaganda campaigns trying to convince the public they care for the environment, whereas in fact they care only about the politics and go about sacking staff that are engaged in the very practical weed and pest animal programs."

"If the Bracks Government really cared about country Victoria, they should immediately withdraw these proposed staff reductions."


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com



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