Bob Brown Foundation says Australia’s worst native forest logging is currently underway in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. The Foundation has recently carried out multiple forest protests in this area to highlight the critical need to end native forest logging. So far, four people have been arrested defending this forest.
Today, Jennie Bock, 67, and other protesters are peacefully defending the habitat of eagles, swift parrots, masked owls, and Tasmanian devils this morning in Waykaywirinu/Central Highlands.
Ms Bock has stopped the logging this morning, attaching herself to the only access gate that Forestry Tasmania uses to lock up public forests.
‘Once again, today logging has been disrupted, and these magnificent old eucalypts will remain standing for another day. Time is critical here, and every day matters for these forests,’ said Lisa Searle, on the ground with Bob Brown Foundation today.
Tasmanian election
‘In the lead up to the state election, we need our future leaders to understand that they represent the people and what the people want is permanent protection for native forests. Forests are too precious to lose, and once lost, they are lost forever,’ said Ms Searle.
‘This is a critical issue in the upcoming election, and we encourage Tasmanians to use their vote wisely when the time comes.
‘The loggers, in addition to closing access to this public forest with numerous gates, have placed a huge log across the road to stop us from getting in.
‘In addition, police are issuing increasingly harsh move-on directions and bail conditions to deter peaceful protesters from returning to the site.
‘These are classic tactics by the state to deter protest and to support the ongoing destruction of these forests,’ said Ms Searle.
Less than 15 km from the iconic Lake St Clair National Park, this logging coupe, named CZ022A, has been sanctioned by the Albanese Government and Premier Rockliff and executed by Forestry Tasmania, with much of it destined to become woodchips for pulp and paper products.
‘This ancient forest contains a high density of hollow-bearing trees, which are essential for threatened species,’ said Jenny Weber, Campaign Manager for Bob Brown Foundation.
‘We lobbied Premier Rockliff for these forests to be protected, and yet, the logging is proceeding, despite our evidence of endangered species recorded on site. It is crucial to immediately cease logging and permanently protect this forest, as verified threatened species habitat.’
When will the destruction end?
Protests are highlighting the ongoing logging of native forests in Tasmania, despite the climate and extinction crises, and a majority of Australians wanting the destruction to end.
‘The ongoing destruction of Tasmanian native forests has all been at taxpayers’ expense. Right now, our government is choosing to waste public money on destroying precious forests that are more valuable left standing,’ said Jenny Weber.
‘It is time for Tasmania to end all native forest logging and provide secure protection to the forests across our island.
‘While Victoria and Western Australia have signalled an end to native forest logging, Tasmania continues to prop up this environmentally and economically destructive industry,’ she said.
Undeterred by below-freezing conditions and attempts by Forestry Tasmania and the police to prevent and hinder protests, Bob Brown Foundation says it will continue to take action and stand up for these forests.
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