And the Infants Shall Lead Us, or How Puerile Can You Get? (February 20, 2007)

    The following was reported by the ABC this morning.

Last Update: Tuesday, February 20, 2007. 9:00am (AEDT)

Act now on Macquarie Is pests, Opposition says

Tasmania's Opposition says any further delays in establishing a pest eradication program on Macquarie Island will see the cost of exterminating the rodents increase dramatically.

There is a stalemate between state and federal governments for funding of the program to get rid of rats and rabbits.

Federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull maintains the Commonwealth's offer to pay half of the $16.5 million program is reasonable.

"They should get on with it, accept that offer, commit their own funds and let's get on with it and get rid of the rabbits and the rats," he said.

But Tasmania's Environment Minister, Paula Wriedt, says the Commonwealth should pay the full cost.

"You know, we believe that given they have a $10 billion surplus, and I'm sure that in an election year they want to do something nice for the environment," she said.

The Opposition's Will Hodgman says action, not indecision, is needed.

"With every day that passes, the price tag attached to solving the problem only increases as well," he said.

The State Government has written to Mr Turnbull asking him to reconsider the funding on offer.

© 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation