MEDIA RELEASE

AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE USE: 19 March 2012

PLAN TO ALLOW BURNING OF NATIVE FORESTS FOR POWER KILLED OFF IN PARLIAMENT.
GetUp has welcomed a vote in the House of Representatives this afternoon that killed off Rob Oakeshotts absurd proposal to classify the burning of native forests for power as renewable energy. The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2011 Bill sought changes to the Multi Party Climate Agreement that would have made the burning of native forests eligible to receive government subsidies. This is a victory for common sense and comes after a strong campaign by GetUp members who were opposed to the forest industrys plan, GetUp Campaign Director Paul Oosting said. 33,465 GetUp members signed a petition calling on Mr Oakeshott to drop his motion. Members also funded a newspaper ad in Mr Oakeshotts electorate. More than $20,000 was raised to fund a GetUp television commercial titled Did you just kill a koala? which ran nationwide, and heavily in the electorates of key independents. GetUp members also joined the Greens and the Government in directly lobbying Mr Oakeshott as well as independents Andrew Wilkie and Tony Windsor who ultimately voted against Mr Oakeshotts Bill. Both the Greens and the Government, as well as the majority of the independents have proven today their commitment to protecting native forests, a commitment we hope will continue into the future, Mr Oosting said. There is nothing environmentally sustainable about burning down native forests to create power, Mr Oosting said. Our members knew it, and its great to see our politicians have also recognised that fact with their votes today. If this motion was successful subsidies would have been taken away from genuine renewable sources of energy. Now, that wont happen and that can only be seen as a good thing.

Contact Rohan Wenn on 0419 026 222 or Paul Oosting on 0409 963 734. www.getup.org.au 1 of 1