Lonely Planet is correct and the Tasmanian Premier is apparently attempting to mislead tourism markets over his government’s actions that place high conservation value forests at risk as well as his government’s determination to allow rainforest logging inside the World Heritage Area, according to Markets For Change.
“Four hundred thousand hectares of high conservation value forest that was previously legislated to become future reserves have been put on the chopping block by the Hodgman government who repealed that future protection and instead allocated the very same forests to future logging – now due for the full industrial logging assault in four years’ time,” Markets For Change CEO Peg Putt explained.
“World Heritage forests nominated for their outstanding universal values are also in the sights of the Tasmanian government who have included rainforest logging of reserves inside the world Heritage Area in their draft plan of management for the area, as well as opening around a million hectares of existing reserves for rainforest logging, including forests in the magnificent Tarkine. Planning for that logging is now underway under the auspices of the advisory council on forestry to this government, and could start in two years’ time or less.”
“Hence it is entirely correct for Lonely Planet to point out that precious forests are at risk in Tasmania and it would be a good idea for tourists to see them while they are still in good shape.”
“Authenticity in our tourism offering is where the rubber hits the road, but attempting to deny the significance of their logging plans has the Premier attempting to greenwash the situation instead.”
“Faux outrage over being pinged by Lonely planet and a bullying response from the Premier that this renowned tourism advisor should go quiet in the spite of the facts does nothing good for Tasmania’s image. This would best be dealt with by rethinking the destructive logging policies,” Ms Putt concluded.
Markets For Change CEO Peg Putt
