Our Common Ground has called on all political parties to give peace in the forests a chance by supporting negotiations seeking to end the conflict in the interests of all Tasmanians.
The talks, which have been underway for some weeks, represent a significant chance to move away from the conflicts which have ruptured our state, said Our Common Ground spokesperson Judy Tierney.
“While the outcomes are still fluid, we are optimistic that we can find common ground over the protection of native forests and a sustainable industry.
“We accept that this won’t be easy, particularly within the current context of the election.
“However, we are committed to making Tasmania are more clean and green state through these negotiations – one that is not beset with political divides.
“These negotiations, in our view, represent our best chance to achieve an agreement.
“We call on all parties, individuals and interested stakeholders to acknowledge the difficult and important nature of these negotiations.
“Tasmanian’s know that the industry and our forests are in crisis. They know we need to find common ground and they know that the old ways don’t work.
“We’re confident of coming to an agreement, a historic agreement. But it will take all parties to negotiate in good faith, accept compromise and put politics to one side in the interests of Tasmania,” concluded Judy Tierney.
Our Common Ground is a coalition of community and business leaders, environment groups and timber workers who are committed to finding a solution to the conflict over forestry in Tasmania.
Judy Tierney, Our Common Ground
