Nationals feel forest fury in wake of RFA

REPRESENTATIVES of the shires of Bridgetown/Greenbushes, Manjimup and Nannup claim the National Party is “betraying” the communities they represent.

The representatives said the Nationals jeopardised the Regional Forest Agreement just six weeks after it was signed.

Manjimup Shire Council president Keith Liddelow said it had taken three years of hard work and committed involvement by many people from the communities of those shires to reach the final outcome.

“We believe the RFA has achieved a workable balance between the further protection of forest and the security of a viable industry,” Mr Liddelow said.

He said it was vital South West towns were given the opportunity to plan for their long-term futures and the uncertainty the continuing forest debate created was not helping.

“We find it disappointing a political party that purports to represent the bush can cause continued uncertainty in the community for political expediency,” he said.

“The Nationals may find it difficult to retain the credibility they have enjoyed in South West communities over the issue.”