Logging protest to disrupt traffic

An estimated 1000 protesters, 30 logging trucks and heavy vehicles are expected to reach the South Eastern Freeway at 9.30am, arriving in the CBD with a police escort at noon.

The convoy will progress along Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton Rd, Dequetteville Tce, Hackney Rd, Robe Tce, Fitzroy Tce, Park St and Port Rd.

The State Government has flagged it will sell timber-harvesting rights in the South-East, causing outrage in towns reliant on the industry.

The Government has stated no decision will be made on the sale until a comprehensive consultation process and regional impact statement is completed.

Leaders of the Dont Privatise SA Forests protest, including a trio of South East mayors, say they have Treasurer Kevin Foley is using the global financial crisis as an excuse for a "cash grab".

Mount Gambier Mayor Steve Perryman said heavily-laden vehicles would interrupt peak hour traffic as they wind their way through city streets towards Parliament House.

"The forest industry directly and indirectly employs around 5000 South East residents, so any sale will have significant and irreversible consequences for all of us," he said.

"If the logs are bought by an overseas company, whats stopping the new owners from processing them in overseas mills rather than South Australian ones?"

Mr Perryman ran for the Liberals in the March state election in the seat of Mount Gambier and was defeated by independent Don Pegler.

Mr Perryman said the forestry issue had united the South East and more than 3000 residents had signed an anti-privatisation petition to be tabled in Parliament.

"The call is now out for Adelaide to get behind its country cousins," Mr Perryman said.

"In addition to boosting the States economy, the South East timber industry supports everything from housing construction to household toilet paper, so everyone will be affected in a physical sense as well as a fiscal sense by this brash sell-off.

"By remaining united and committed, we can succeed."