in defense of the Environment

As you may have seen in the news today, the Environment Defenders Office was told yesterday that the State government has ceased all State funding to EDO Qld and EDO-NQ without notice on 30 June 2012.

This is half of their recurrent funding. 

EDO have sought an urgent meeting with the State Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie, but are waiting for his response.

The withdrawal of funding guts their ability to help landholders, individuals and community groups understand and act on their legal rights to protect the environment.  

Without the Environment Defenders Office there is no legal support available for those that want to protect the environment in the public interest.

Their community litigants handbook will cease publication. 

If you have ever received their assistance or value the essential services they provide, now is the time they need your support to ask that their funding be restored.

Three things you can do to help the EDO today:

·         contact Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie, attorney@ministerial.qld.gov.au and politely tell him about the essential role EDO plays in helping the community understand and access their legal rights;

·         donate to EDO Qld to at least allow them to deliver our Handbook guide to Mining & Coal Seam Gas or continue their general services, including answering the 50+ people on their waiting list for assistance to protect the environment; and

·         spread the word by commenting on media reports and telling your friends through Facebook, Twitter and your local networks.

For more information contact

Bronwyn BellOffice Manager

30 Hardgrave Rd WEST END, QLD 4101tel +61 7 3211 4466  fax +61 7 3211 4655
edoqld@edo.org.au   www.edo.org.au/edoqld