Media Release: Ongoing forest talks must be given the space to succeed

ET News

Governments fail to deliver on Forests Agreement

Submitted:

13-Jan-2012 03:02 PM

MEDIA RELEASE 13 January 2012

Environment groups said the conservation agreement released today by the Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments did not adequately deliver the first key conservation outcome of the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and urged them to end logging in these unique and important forests.
World Heritage Under Threat and No Real Science Available

Submitted:

15-Dec-2011 12:57 PM

MEDIA RELEASE 13th December 2011
Protecting forests can gain carbon funds and diversify Tasmania’s Economy

Submitted:

08-Dec-2011 02:31 PM

MEDIA RELEASE 30 November 2011

Environment Tasmania, the state’s peak environment body, welcomed the Government hosted forest carbon forum today on the climate and economic benefits that would be delivered by protecting Tasmania’s native forests.
NEW COASTAL ALLIANCE FORMED AS QUESTIONS SURFACE ON TAS GOV COMMITMENT TO STATE COASTAL POLICY

Submitted:

05-Dec-2011 05:49 PM

MEDIA RELEASE - Monday, 5 December 2011

Thursday, 26 August 2010

Russell Warman, Environment Tasmania policy coordinator said "The forest talks have focussed around finding a positive solution to the 30-year long problems around forestry in Tasmania."

Environment groups involved in the talks believe that it is crucial for Tasmania's future that the forestry talks continue in good faith and not be derailed by a media-driven forestry debate based on a draft negotiating document.

"Tasmania's environment, economy and community stand to greatly benefit from resolving and putting this long-running forest conflict behind us.

"We know that the majority of Tasmanians want to have a sustainable timber industry for the future and to protect our magnificent native forests such as in the Upper Florentine, the Blue Tier and the Tarkine.

"That's why industry and conservation groups have come together in good faith and with open minds to find common ground.

"And we've been able to make significant progress because the talks have been held out of the potentially divisive political and media spotlights and we would ask all politicians to continue to give this process the space and time needed to succeed.

On the pulpmill, Mr Warman stated that "We understand that the logging industry see a pulpmill as an important part of their future, but the proposed mill and its approval process has been damaging and divisive in the community. These talks will not give a green light to the pulp mill. We do support a sustainable timber industry with plantation-based timber processing - including a pulp mill. However, any pulpmill proposal must have a proper community consultation process and address all environmental issues - unlike last time."

All the groups involved feel that these talks are the best chance to solve the forest conflict in many years. But they need the space to succeed. If they are successful, it will be great news for all Tasmanians. Those who value our unique and beautiful environment. Those who value secure and lasting timber jobs. Those who value climate-saving storage of carbon in native forests. And particularly of interest to the tourism industry who will now have those areas protected and have a good clean, green brand to market.

Contact: Ahmet Bektas, our common ground 0417 358 819