Dramatic footage shows Forestry Tasmania's scorched earth policy in the Styx Valley of the Giants

Media Release
24th April 2004

The Wilderness Society has captured dramatic footage of a forestry burn in the Styx Valley of the Giants. Following the clearfelling of forests, Forestry Tasmania fire bombs old growth forests with napalm like incendiaries dropped from helicopters.  "The footage captured will show Australians and the world a story that Forestry Tasmania have always attempted to hide. We have never been able to get close enough to these burns to document their truly destructive force," stated Wilderness Society Forests Campaigner Vica Bayley.

The burn is in the same forest that less than 12 months ago 5000 Tasmanians marched to in an effort to save the Styx. "Last year this was old growth forest and a rallying point for community concern, today Forestry Tasmania has turned it into a waste land," continued Mr Bayley. The burn is also within 600 metres of the worlds tallest Christmas tree and the World Heritage Area.

"This footage reinforces the fact that Forestry Tasmania can not be trusted with the stewardship of these forests. Federal intervention is required to ensure that these forests are protected," concluded Mr Bayley.

Contact:
Vica Bayley  ph (03) 9639 5455