Albany GM-Free area: now honour your word

22 April 2009

When Albany declared itself a GM free area last night they were sending a clear message to Minister Redman that his GM canola was not welcome in the district. It’s now time to scrap the trials and honour his commitment, said Paul Llewellyn Greens MLC for the South West Region.

“Local communities have a right to say no to GM canola in their districts, and the Minister has the power to withdraw GM-canola trials from shires that have declared themselves GM free.

“Just last month Minister Redman gave his word in Parliament that he “does not intend to allow trial cultivations of GM crops in a local government district that he knows has declared itself GM free.” He also acknowledged that he had the power to keep GM crops out of these areas.

“Albany and Plantagenet have both requested GM-free status, but the Minister is signing off agreements to allow 280 hectares of GM canola to be planted there,” Mr Llewellyn said.

“Transporting GM canola will inevitably result in road side contamination and the Shire of Mukinbudin has banned that in their municipality.

“GM-seed has not been planted yet, and the Minister must urgently notify the relevant farmers that trials will not go ahead on their farms.

“The Minister’s credibility is on the line here. If he is a man who genuinely listens to the communities he serves, then he will honour the express wishes of these communities, which have been given voice by their democratically elected shire councils.”

For more information contact Paul Llewellyn on 0428 317 182 or 9848 1555