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Dr Brown Help
Dr Brown
Peaceful blockade at
dam site planned
By TERESA MAN NIX
Members of the Tasmanian Wil-
derness Society had planned a
peaceful blockade to disrupt work
on the Franklin River dam, the
director of the society, Dr Bob
Brown, said in Canberra yesterday.
Dr Brown said he expected some
members to be arrested during the
blockade, which would begin on Decem-
ber 14.
December 14 was the day the nomi-
nation of south-west Tasmania for the
World Heritage list was expected to be
ratified.
"There's been considerable destruc-
tion occurring in the south-west wil-
derness and it's accelerating," he said.
"It's a move that we take with troubled
hearts. We are ordinary Australians
who are concerned about a national
treasure.
"We do not take a blockade against
a government instrumentality and a
State Government which has gone
wrong lightly indeed.
"We've held off for four months
knowing that this destruction was pro-
ceeding.
"I doubt in such an issue that there
has been such restraint by people who
have put so much effort and energy into
saving an area."
Members would either sit, stand or lie
in front of equipment to prevent work
proceeding.
If they were arrested, they would be
replaced.
He had negotiated with Tasmanian
police to ensure the protest remained as
peaceful as possible.
Any action by the Prime Minister,
Mr Fraser, to save the wilderness would
be "applauded in Australia and around
the world".
The Opposition spokesman on en-
vironment and conservation, Mr West,
called yesterday on Mr Fraser to an-
nounce his decision on Federal interven-
tion during the Flinders by-election
campaign.
The Liberal candidate, Mr Reith, has
said that he opposes the Franklin River
dam.
"Unless the Liberals announce a
policy on the south-west any support Mr
Reith may have for a 'No dams' write-
in is simply electioneering to attract the
conservation vote," Dr Brown said.
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