DISAPOINTMENT AT LACK OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR FOREST RESOLUTION

MEDIA RELEASE 11 MAY 2011

The Wilderness Society today expressed disappointment at the lack of Federal Government support for the once in a generation opportunity to resolve the conflict over logging in Tasmania.

At the weekly forest vigil outside Premier Lara Giddingss office, Wilderness Society spokesperson Vica bayley said this compounded the disappointment at the lack of a Federal Government response to the Kelty interim report.

We are concerned there is no budget allocation for implementing the agreement that presents the best chance in decades to protect our forests and restructure the industry to a sustainable, plantation-based focus, said Mr Bayley.

This comes on top of the deafening silence from both the Federal and State Governments following the release of facilitator Bill Keltys interim report. The lack of engagement in this unique opportunity to deliver win-win outcomes for Tasmania is worrying.

The budget does include a small allocation for work needed to continue the process.

Funding to generate important data and analysis is important, however there is enough direction for Government to act and provision money to invest in the solution to this long running, divisive and environmentally destructive issue, concluded Mr Bayley.
Vica Bayley Tasmanian Campaign Manager The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc.