On Sunday 25th September the Forever Wild Bequest Program will be holding its annual campaign update afternoon tea.

This year the event will be at the fascinating Footscray Community Arts Centre.

Luke Chamberlain, our Victorian Forest Campaigner, will be giving you an update on all things forests, including the Tasmanian process, and where the fight is at to save the forests of Victoria, here in our own backyard. This will include the very exciting prospect that burning native forests for power will be prohibited if the Federal Government's carbon tax legislation successfully passes through Parliament.

Also present on the day will be Victorian Campaigner, Richard Hughes, who will be available to answer your questions on the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday Bush Fires as well has his WildCountry work in Western Victoria.

This free event starts at 2pm and is a great opportunity to meet like minded people and get an exclusive update on all things Wilderness Society.  To register your interest, please contact Juanita Frost, National Bequest Manager, on 03 9038 0829/ 0437 963 006 or juanita.frost@wilderness.org.au.  RSVP by Wednesday 21st September.

Lawyers for Forests and Friends of Forests and Free Speech invite you to join Senator Bob Brown, defendant Louise Morris, and expert on NGOs and democracy, Joan Staples, at a cocktail evening fundraiser.

The Gunns 20 and supporters outside Melbourne Supreme Court, 2005. Photo: Peter Casamento

Gunns20 Cocktail Fundraiser
Law Institute of Victoria
Ground Floor Theatre, 470 Bourke St, Melbourne
6-8 pm, Thursday 27 August 2009

There is no charge to attend, but RSVP is essential by 25 August to:
Brooke Caddell,
rsvp@lawyersforforests.asn.au
03 9600 4224

This fundraiser was originally scheduled for February but deferred because of the bushfire tragedy. Now that the trial date has been set, we urgently need your support to back the defendants in their fight against Gunns.

Donations
If you can’t attend the fundraiser, would you be interested in supporting the Gunns20 with a donation? You can make a tax deductible donation to Gunns20 via ‘Lawyers for Forests’:

To make a bank transfer, pay to:
Lawyers for Forests Gift Fund,
Bendigo Bank,
BSB:     633-000,
Account Number:   120526884

Or send a cheque to Lawyers for Forests;  PO Box 550   West Melbourne, Victoria, 8007
Or make a secure credit card donation via the Lawyers for Forests website:
www.lawyersforforests.asn.au
* Please include a note that your donation is for the Gunns20 appeal.

For ongoing information about the Gunns20, follow the link at:
www.gunns20.org

Read more:

Gunns20 trial date set
7 August 2009
Gunns20 is going to trial in February 2010 – more than five years and millions of dollars in legal costs since the first writ was issued.  The 20 original defendants have been whittled down to seven as Gunns’ various writs were successively thrown out. More >>

A great day for our forests and freedom of speech
16 March 2009
The tables have turned on woodchip company Gunns Ltd and its four-year long legal action in the Victorian Supreme Court against the Wilderness Society is over. Its claims for $3.5 million in damages have turned into a $350,000 payment to the Wilderness Society. More >>

Where: Tamar Room, Tailrace Centre, West Tamar Highway, Riverside.

Find out more about Gunns’ attempts to secure finance for its proposed pulp mill and about the company’s plans for a 50% joint venture partner. Discover how Tasmanian Government agreements for the pulp mill mean that Gunns and any potential foreign investment partner will effectively own our forests and water resources for the next twenty years. And find out how this could jeapordise Tasmania’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimise the regional impacts of climate change.

Speakers include:

• Vica Bayley, Tasmanian campaign director
• Paul Oosting, pulp mill campaigner
• Gemma Tillack, climate change and forests campaigner

Come along and find out how you can help to protect our forests and our water, and what you can do to help secure a safe and prosperous Tasmania for your children and future generations.

Find out more about the pulp mill campaign here.

A huge rally on Saturday August 23 2008 saw thousands of people march through Launceston in opposition to Gunns' pulp mill and should send a clear message to shareholders and companies considering supporting the carbon-polluting pulp mill - it will not be allowed to proceed.

What:
Pulp Mill Community Verdict on Garrett's Decision.

When:
12 noon, Tuesday 6 January 2009

Where:
Jodie Campbell's electorate office
100 St John Street, Launceston

In October 2007, following Gunns' abandonment of the independent assessment process, former Environment Minster Malcolm Turnbull gave Gunns one year to complete an Environmental Impact Management Plan, before full approval could be granted and construction could start on the mill. Gunns failed to meet that deadline and was granted an extension to 5 January 2009 by incoming Environment Minister Peter Garrett, a move strongly condemned by the public.

This puts a spotlight on Minister Garrett and the 5 January decision. It will be a test as to whether or not the Federal Labor government has the vision to see Tasmania flourish and grow as a clean green economy - or if they are still stuck in the past of supporting long-lasting environmental destruction for short-term corporate profit.

On the day after the deadline, Tuesday 6 January at 12 noon, we are organising an opportunity for the community to deliver their verdict on Peter Garrett's decision. At local Federal Labor Member for Bass Jodie Campbell's office, 100 St John St Launceston, you can help send a strong message that the community will not let the pulp mill proceed.

Come along and share in the celebration if Peter Garrett does what is required of him as Environment Minister and denies approval of the pulp in line with the wishes of the majority of Australians. Alternatively, add your voice to the growing condemnation if Mr Garrett approves the mill and signs away the chance of a clean, clever and pulp-mill free future for Tasmania.

Take Action

In the meantime or if you can't make the event, please contact the Member for Bass Jodie Campbell and let her know that her future and the future of the pulp mill are tied.

Contact Jodie Campbell today:
Email: Jodie.Campbell.MP@aph.gov.au
Tel: (03) 6334 7033
Fax: (03) 6334 7055
Postal Address: PO Box 5035 Launceston TAS 7250

We need to act urgently to ensure Premier Bartlett honours his word.

	Watch The Wilderness Society TV ad for the 'Line in the Sand' event. (Can't see this video? Click here)

Bring your family and friends to a community gathering at Kingston Beach. We will symbolise the line in the sand and demonstrate the community’s desire for government support for this pulp mill to end.

Where: Kingston Beach (15 mins south of Hobart)
When: Sunday 23 November, 12 noon - 2pm

In June, Premier Bartlett extended the deadline for Gunns to commence construction of the mill. It was extended from the end of June to 30 November. If Gunns does not commence by this date, then the Tasmanian Government can terminate a ‘sovereign-risk agreement’ with Gunns.

Mr Bartlett described the extended deadline for commencement of construction as a ‘line in the sand’, after which government support for the mill would end.

Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett. Image: Bob Burton

"I have drawn a line in the sand that says if the proponent can't meet the requirements of the permit and gain finance and substantially commence the project by 30th of November this year then enough is enough" “The pulp mill project has divided the Tasmania Community” “The Tasmanian Government will no longer be involved in this project” “The Tasmanian people have a right to say enough is enough“

Come to the Tamar Valley in September, discover what impacts the proposed pulp mill will have - and how you can make a difference. Photo: Leslie Nicklason

Momentum is building to stop the pulp mill. Come to the Tamar Valley in September, discover what impacts the proposed mill will have, and how you can make a difference.

This event will take place over three days in September, Friday 19, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21.

• Download printable brochure (PDF 572 Kb)
  

Join us for one, two - or all three days!

Friday 19 September (10am-5pm)

Step into Tasmania’s carbon-rich forests

Meet at 10am at the Launceston Campaign Centre, 174 Charles Street, and join us for a tour and walk through the threatened forests of Mt Arthur, Mt Barrow, Mt Victoria and Ben Lomond.

Learn how these high conservation value forests are helping to combat climate change and find out how you can help protect them from being logged and fed into Gunns’ pulp mill.

You can ride along in the bus, or tag along in your own car. We will be returning to Launceston at 5pm. 

Saturday 20 September (10am-5pm)

Step alongside the Tamar Valley community

Beginning at 10am at Gravelly Beach on the banks of the Tamar River, enjoy a leisurely 10km walk - following popular local walking tracks.

Experience the river views and abundant birdlife. Enjoy fresh local produce at stops along the way, and hear the personal stories of Tamar Valley locals fighting to retain their way of life. Finish the day at Marion’s Vineyard where you can sit back, relax and watch the sunset with some fine wine and nibbles. 

Sunday 21 September (10am-5pm)

Step up with Peter Cundall

Meet at 10am at Launceston’s picturesque Cataract Gorge. (This is part of the river system from which Gunns plans to take fresh water for the proposed pulp mill.) We will then travel by bus and car along the West Tamar Highway, visiting local attractions such as vineyards, lavender farms and fresh fruit orchards. We will cross the famous Batman Bridge to the East Tamar, and pass by the site of the proposed pulp mill.

At 2pm we We will then drive on to Low Head and the beautiful coastline of northern Tasmania, earmarked as the dispersal zone for the toxic effluent from the pulp mill. Enjoy a barbecue with locally grown produce cooked by local farmers. Hear from Peter Cundall and other locals about their ongoing fight against the pulp mill.

Other information:

• The Tamar Valley is north of Launceston, in Tasmania.
  
• Travel options: If you are travelling from the mainland, you can either fly into Launceston or bring your car over on the Spirit of Tasmania.
  
• Transport: You can follow the tour in your own vehicle, or for a small fee you can join us on a bus. There will also be a bus leaving Hobart at 7am on Saturday 20 September, returning the same day at 10pm ($25 return, bookings essential—call 03 6224 1550)
  
• Time and dates: Friday 19th–Sunday 21st September, 2008. Organised activities from 10am–5pm each day. 
• Cost: All events are free, however donations are appreciated. Any food or drink purchases from local businesses are at your own expense.
  
• Accommodation: There is a range of accommodation options in the Tamar Valley to cater for all needs and budgets.
• What to bring: All weather clothing, hat, sunscreen, water, some food, comfortable walking shoes. It would also be good to have some money in your pocket - you won’t be able to resist enjoying the fine foods and wines of the Tamar Valley.
  

For a full itinerary and list of accommodation options or to register for any of these events, please call Ruth at our Launceston Campaign Centre on (03) 6331 7488 or email: launceston@wilderness.org.au

Below is a map and driving directions for Day 1 Forest Tour - Friday 19 September.

• If this map doesn't appear - click here

Driving directions to Unknown street

90.3 km – about 1 hour 41 mins

174 Charles St Launceston TAS 7250

1.	Head southeast on Charles St toward Frederick St		0.4 km
2.	Turn left at Balfour St		0.5 km
3.	Turn right at High St		0.5 km
4.	Turn left at David St		1.0 km
5.	Turn right at Tasman Hwy		59 m
6.	Turn left to stay on Tasman Hwy		1.6 km
7.	Slight left to stay on Tasman Hwy		28.5 km
8.	Slight right at Camden Hill Rd		7.5 km

40.1 km – about 36 mins

Camden Hill Rd

9.	Head northeast on Diddleum Rd		1.4 km
10.	Turn right to stay on Diddleum Rd		9.1 km
11.	Slight left at Russells Rd		2.9 km

13.4 km – about 17 mins

Russells Rd

12.

Head northwest on Russells Rd toward Crowsnest Rd

2.9 km

2.9 km – about 3 mins

Russells Rd

13.	Head west on Russells Rd toward Ben Ridge Rd		20 m
14.	Turn left at Ben Ridge Rd		3.7 km

3.7 km – about 4 mins

Ben Ridge Rd

15.

Head south on Ben Ridge Rd toward Crowsnest Rd

6.3 km

6.3 km – about 7 mins

Ben Ridge Rd

16.	Head east on Ben Ridge Rd		6.4 km
17.	Slight left to stay on Ben Ridge Rd		9.7 km

16.1 km – about 19 mins

Ben Ridge Rd

18.	Head south on Mathinna Plains Rd toward Mt Albert Rd		4.9 km
19.	Turn left		2.9 km

7.7 km – about 10 mins

Unknown street

These directions are for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause conditions to differ from the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly. You must obey all signs or notices regarding your route.

Map data ©2008 MapData Sciences Pty Ltd, PSMA