Rejection of divisive forest legislation welcome – proper protection needed

A Legislative Council rejection of the Hodgman Government’s chaotic and divisive legislation to log high conservation value forest reserves is welcome step, but in no way delivers a resolution to the issue of forest conservation in Tasmania, the Wilderness Society said in response to the 7 to 5 vote for common sense.

The Wilderness Society will continue to campaign for forest areas, like the takayna/Tarkine, Wielangta, Douglas-Apsley and Bruny Island, to be formally gazetted as new national parks and reserves, to properly protect their natural and cultural heritage values and add to the success of Tasmania’s existing conservation reserve system.

“We offer thanks to the Legislative Councillors who saw no logic in this legislation and led the debate against what is widely acknowledged as a divisive and politically motivated piece of legislation,” said Vica Bayley, spokesperson for the Wilderness Society.

“Premier Hodgman’s legislation to log important forest reserves offered Tasmania nothing but a massive step backwards. Now that has been averted, we invite Tasmanians to join the ongoing campaign to formally reserve these special areas and capitalise on the opportunity credible conservation outcomes presents to Tasmania.

“Tasmania’s national parks and reserves underpin our brand and identity, in turn underpinning the tourism industry and the state’s economy. Why wouldn’t we build on that by permanently protecting places like the Douglas-Apsley, Blue Derby forests, Ben Lomond, Tasman Peninsula and Bay of Fires?

The Wilderness Society also acknowledged the position of many industry and other stakeholders, sustaining significant personal and political pressure from government to maintain an unequivocal position of opposition to Premier Hodgman’s legislation.

“This legislation lacked any credible support from industry and other stakeholders. The government’s case for this legislation changed significantly from Minister Barnett’s original Ministerial Statement, as the stakeholders it named-up as supporting the legislation came out publicly and rejected it.

“We call on the Hodgman government to drop its divisive political approach and embrace the reality of where Tasmania sits in the world, a place centred on credible conservation with a bright future provided we leave the tired old arguments of yesterday behind.

“Mr Hodgman now has an opportunity to display leadership, change tack and embrace an opportunity to build these iconic forest areas into Tasmania’s world-renowned national park network.
Vica Bayley, Tasmanian Campaign Manager, The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc.