Download ‘Tasmania’s Forests: the Way Forward’, the Greens’ plan to save Tasmania’s forests and create jobs (PDF, 462KB)
The Greens have welcomed Labor’s plan to put a one-year moratorium on 240,000 hectares of Tasmania’s high conservation value forests.
“This is a great breakthrough. Labor has taken a lead,” Greens Senator Bob Brown said.
“There is no doubt these forests are of world and national heritage value. However, Mr Latham’s review process, leading to the forests’ permanent protection, will be critical.
“As with saving the Franklin River 21 years ago, the forests will add to Tasmania’s international reputation for wild and scenic beauty and so future prosperity and job creation,” Senator Brown said.
“After years of campaigning, with 500 log trucks a day going to the woodchip mills, this is a moment to celebrate the power of public opinion to save the forests.
“A bigger contingent of Greens is essential in the next parliament to ensure the right outcome — the Greens are the forests’ guarantee,” Senator Brown said.
“We are now looking forward to the Coalition’s plan on Tasmania’s forests. The prospect of saving the forests will resonate all the way to the ballot box,” said Senator Brown.
Senator Brown said that while the Greens welcome the momentum created by the Labor plan more detail is needed, in particular:
confirmation, with a clear map, showing that all the listed high conservation value areas will be protected from logging during the moratorium;
that ‘existing logging’ in the high conservation value areas applies only to coupes where logging is already underway, not to new roading or logging;
the composition of the review panel needs to be announced before the election, to confirm its expertise.
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