Logging in Tasmania: Business as usual

A report released today by environment groups reveals that since Forestry Tasmania was paid $12.5 million to stop logging in the 572,000 hectares of forests being assessed for protection, the agency has shown no letup in the rate of logging inside these forests.

“The numbers show Forestry Tasmania has actually increased logging rates in the areas meant to be protected under the Forests Agreement,” said Phill Pullinger of Environment Tasmania. “Clearly this agency is pursuing a strategy to divide timber workers and environmentalists so it can derail this generational opportunity to fix an industry crisis and protect our forests”.”

“In September last year Forestry Tasmania received a taxpayer payout of $12.65 million on condition that it ceases logging in high conservation value forests. Instead, it has increased the rate of logging in these forests,” said Vica Bayley of the Wilderness Society.

“Scheduling logging in contentious, pristine forests such as the Weld Valley and Butler’s Gorge looks like a deliberate attempt to stoke conflict with the community and shows the agency continues to treat the Tasmanian public and government with contempt,” Mr Bayley said.

“The recent URS review into Forestry Tasmania unambiguously stated that the agency is unable to fulfil its obligations under current law and is unable to operate as a successful business,” said Lindsay Hesketh of the Australian Conservation Foundation.

“A government enterprise that cannot fulfil its legal obligations, loses money, and stokes conflict in the community must be reformed. A restructure of Forestry Tasmania is now well overdue,” Mr Hesketh said.

Download the report

For more information or comment:

Phill Pullinger, Environment Tasmania 0428 554 934
Vica Bayley, The Wilderness Society 0400 644 939
Lindsay Hesketh, Australian Conservation Foundation 0418 655 551