A dark day - the GM blue rose is here

It's a dark day as I learn that the genetically manipulated rose is in the Shire of Yarra Ranges. Yes, we've all heard the guarantees (and even the scientists can't agree) but they still don't answer the real question "why are GMOs allowed to be here even though we have a policy of being a GMO free municipality?".

Let this be a warning to all municipalities who have declared themselves GMO free. There needs to be a mechanism in place so the rights of citizens are paramount and given the highest regard.

The citizens of the Yarra Ranges have the right to be very angry today, their desires and aspirations have been ignored by Florigene, Australian Roses, the OGTR and a cast of others. This trial for a most frivolous end product has now tarnished our reputation as a clean green producer of world class products. How will we be compensated????