Activist Arrested In Sydney Tree Top Protest

Activist Arrested in Sydney Tree Top Protest

Campaigner, Peter Cooper has been arrested by police this morning following a tree top protest at Mrs Macquarie's chair. Cooper had been manning a 'tree sit', suspended approximately 12 metres above the ground, in protest at the NSW Government's continuing of logging in the internationally significant River Red Gum Forests.

Police responded quickly to the daring suspension bringing in a fire truck
and a cherry picker to remove Mr Cooper.

Legislation is expected to be introduced to parliament this week which will allow logging to continue in the Millewa Forest, against recommendations from the government's own scientists. This unpopular move has been met with widespread condemnation from conservationists. The government has now found themselves without any support from other political parties.

"We will be following Peter to the police station and making sure he is doing well," said Carmel Flint from the National Parks Association.

"Premier Keneally must listen to her scientists and to the people of NSW" said Cooper as the police arrived. "Allowing logging to continue in Millewa Forest is a disgrace. She must commit to the immediate creation of a National Park across the entire forest, if she is to present any environmental credentials in the upcoming election".

For more information, please contact:

Carmel Flint,
National Parks Association
0400 521 474

Felicity Wade,
The Wilderness Society
0408 246 444


SOURCE: National Parks Association of NSW