"Over the past six years, Western Agricultural Industries (WAI) has been working on establishing 200,000 hectares of commercial crops based on genetically modified cotton."

1.WA Government blocks GM cotton plans
2.Green groups celebrate cotton crop win
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1.WA Government blocks GM cotton plans
ABC Online, Australia

The Western Australian Government has blocked plans for a genetically modified cotton industry in the west Kimberley.

New South Wales company Western Agricultural Industries has spent $7 million over the past six years developing plans to grow up to 200,000 hectares of commercial crops, using GM cotton as a base.

But following intense lobbying from Aboriginal and environmental groups, the State Government has decided not to extend its memorandum of understanding with the company.

This is a transcript from the ABC National Rural News that is broadcast daily to all states on ABC Regional Radio's Country Hour and in the city on ABC News Radio.
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2.Green groups celebrate cotton crop win
Thursday, 12 August 2004
http://www.abc.net.au/northwestwa/news/200408/s1174804.htm

Kimberley environmentalists are celebrating the Western Australian Government's decision to block plans for a large-scale cotton industry near Broome.

Over the past six years, Western Agricultural Industries (WAI) has been working on establishing 200,000 hectares of commercial crops based on genetically modified cotton.

The green group, Environs Kimberley, has led the fight to stop the development arguing it would result in massive land clearing, excessive water use and the introduction of dangerous genetically modified organisms.

Spokeswoman Maria Mann says it is a victory for those who have lobbied against the project.

"We think it's a great decision," she said.

"It's certainly a great day for those of use who've been campaigning for many years now to halt this proposal getting the go ahead.

"All we can say is congratulations to the State Government for making this decision."

Greens MLC Robin Chapple opposed the development and has welcomed the Government's decision.

"My initial concern, if there is to be one, would be: 'is there to be another application by WAI in a different format which might establish another memorandum of understanding,'" he asked.

Mr Chapple says he is astounded by the decision.

"I didn't think they'd do it," he said. "I thought that they would capitulate to the Office of Major Projects, but in this case they seem to have had some gumption and taken on aboard the community's wishes.

"I think that this has been an incredible step forward."

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