Forest defenders occupy third logging area in Tasmania’s Central Highlands

Forest defenders with Bob Brown Foundation yesterday occupied a third logging area in Waykaywirinu/Tasmania’s Central Highlands, where Forestry Tasmania’s logging machines are tearing through an ancient, sub-alpine forest.

In recent days, peaceful occupations have taken place in two nearby logging areas. All three forests, located within just 30 minutes of one another, are being logged simultaneously under orders from Forestry Tasmania and with the approval of the Tasmanian Government.

‘This is industrial-scale devastation of ancient forests,’ said Bob Brown Foundation’s Campaign Manager Jenny Weber.

‘These ancient forests are irreplaceable. They are habitat for threatened wildlife, vital carbon stores and are on unceded Palawa land. Yet right now, they are being obliterated by Forestry Tasmania.

‘We will continue to stand strong on the frontlines in defence of these forests.’

Crossbench pressure

With negotiations to form a government in Tasmania underway, Bob Brown Foundation has launched an online action urging Tasmanian voters to contact the newly elected crossbench, asking that ending native forest logging be a key condition for supporting any prospective government.

‘There is now an opportunity for progressive independents and The Greens to secure an end to native forest logging with Labor or the Liberals as the future of Tasmania’s Parliament is brokered. We are calling for forest protection across this island to be granted once and for all,’ said Jenny Weber.

WA and Victoria have shown what’s possible and ended native forest logging. Tasmania can and must do it too,’ she said.

Two Northern Rivers locals, Juliet Lamont and Hamish Paterson, have also been arrested in Tasmania recently as part of the ongoing protests against the destruction of the state’s forests.