Local members of the Labor Party have come out strongly against today’s decision by Planning NSW to give the green light to the Charcoal Factory proposal at Mogo.

Speaking on behalf of the 12 Labor Party Branches in Eden-Monaro, Eden-Monaro Federal Electorate Council (FEC) President and former candidate Steve Whan said ALP members had unanimously opposed the proposal and would continue to be opposed.

“The Labor membership right throughout the Eden-Monaro region has been vocal and involved in the campaign to stop the Charcoal Factory, and as candidate I fought against it in the lead up to last year’s election.”

“Unfortunately we have no Labor representative in Government and that has really hurt our ability to get the message across since the Federal election. The local conservative MPs have been ineffective and, at best, lukewarm in their efforts to support the community.

Submissions to the NSW Government against the proposal included those of local Labor members, and rallies were supported by the attendance of Labor members. The Eden-Monaro FEC unanimously opposed locating the factory in Eurobodalla at its last meeting suggesting consideration of alternative sites and alternative carbon sources.

“The Carr Government is genuinely committed to jobs, development and the environment in regional NSW and has proven that with hundreds of extremely positive initiatives throughout every part of our region over the last seven years - but in this case the decision to allow construction of this Factory at Mogo is the wrong one”.

Steve Whan said that the local Labor membership would continue to campaign against the decision and be vocal opponents against the factory.

“Bob Carr has been a strong leader on many tough issues in NSW, and has done so many positive things for our region – we are calling on him to again show his leadership qualities by stopping the Charcoal Factory being located on such an inappropriate site”.

Further information contact: Steve Whan 0418 469932