Arson attack against Camp Florentine

Still Wild Still Threatened’s Camp Florentine has been subject to an arson attack in recent days.

Personal and campaign property has been damaged and destroyed, a car has been stolen from the site, and the information tent and camp structures were torn down and burnt. Police have been notified and are visiting the site today.

“This violent attack on the camp is an assault on the forest campaign. The camp is a peaceful protest movement and this incident is an act of intimidation towards protesters and the community involved in the camp” said Still Wild Still Threatened spokesperson Miranda Gibson.

“Florentine camp has been in place for the past five years as a frontline defence to protect the Upper Florentine. There have been violent attacks on the camp in the past. This valley is one of Tasmania’s most iconic high conservation value forests yet the current negotiations have failed to provide certainty for the future of this area. The camp is operating as an information centre, providing opportunities for tourists to take walks through the forest and find out more about the area” said Ms Gibson.

“Environmentalists have been targeted by the industry in calls for durability despite the fact that our actions are always peaceful. The question is, will these same critics be condemning this violent attack on the conservation movement?” said Ms Gibson.

“There has been a great show of support from the community, in response to this act of violence. We have received many calls from people in the Derwent valley and offers of support to help with rebuilding the camp, which has began today” said Ms Gibson.

• Phill Pullinger: Camp Florentine arson condemned

Environment Tasmania today condemned the reported arson of Camp Florentine.

In response to today’s reports of arson of Camp Florentine, the group condemned all violence towards person or property as totally unacceptable, and welcomed the police investigation into the incident.

“It is very fortunate no-one was present or hurt during this incident and we welcome the police investigation,” said Dr Phill Pullinger, Director of Environment Tasmania.