Review Committee fails on climate change but provides opportunity for the Federal Government to save Tasmania's forests from power furnaces

MEDIA RELEASE
16 JANUARY 2004

A review of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET), a policy intended to boost the amount of clean energy in our electricity supply, comprehensively failed to recommend a renewable energy target to the energy industry which would put Australia on a path towards international responsibility on climate change.

The Review does however provide the Federal Government with the opportunity to stop the Tasmanian Government from burning its ancient forests for electricity generation. Tasmania is the only state still proposing to burn ancient forests in the guise of renewable energy. By accepting the option put forward in the report to rule out burning so called native forest 'waste' for power, the Federal Government could take a major step towards reducing the abuse of Tasmania's ancient forests by the Bacon Labor Government.

Energy from burning native forests has been ruled out by every mainland state because it would provide a devastating new market for woodchips and place remaining old growth forests and homes for endangered flora and fauna under even greater threat.

There is overwhelming community opposition to using native forest material of any kind for power generation. In a 2001 Morgan Poll commissioned by The Wilderness Society, the Australian community expressed grave concern over proposals to burn native forests for power. An overwhelming 88% did not support proposals to build wood-fired power plants to produce energy from Australia's native forests.

The MRET is the only tool at the Howard government's disposal to rein in emissions in Australia's energy sector. The Wilderness Society urges the Federal Government to increase the MRET by an extra 10% by 2010.  Achieving this target is an essential step in helping to mitigate Australia's contribution to global climate change, and would provide a launching pad for the development of investment and employment in clean, green industries.

Further comment contact:
Gavan McFadzean 0414 754 023 or Virginia Young 0417 223 280