Media release – Nick Duigan, Minister for Parks and Environment, June 5 2024

Celebrating World Environment Day

Tasmania’s pristine natural environment is the envy of many across the globe.

That’s why the Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to protecting our unique environment, our natural assets and unique species, reducing waste and creating a circular economy, and taking action on sustainability and climate change.

Celebrated annually on June 5, World Environment Day encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment.

Minister for Parks and Environment, Nick Duigan, said it is an opportunity to reflect on the amazing work being done across our state and to celebrate our pristine natural environment and protect our unique species.

“Partnerships with the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies is already seeing positive progress in the captive breeding program for the Maugean skate, supported by $2.1million from the Tasmanian Government,” Minister Duigan said.

“We are taking action with $1m towards the National Swift Parrot Recovery Plan and this year we have seen the highest number and proportion of orange bellied parrot nests recorded in the wild since monitoring began in 1993.

“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we’re also investing $8 million to establish a Tasmanian Threatened Species Fund to directly support conservation activities for priority species.”

Our Government recognises the global significance of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. We want to ensure Tasmania’s natural heritage is showcased and preserved, which is why we are investing in its protection and management with $163.7 million in this year’s Budget alone.

We are also taking action to tackle emissions through our Climate Change Action Plan and build Tasmania’s circular economy.

“Tasmania has been one of the only jurisdictions in the world to reach net zero status in 2014. Our plan will ensure we continue to meet our target of net zero emissions, or lower, from 2030,” Minister Duigan said.

“We lead the nation on our Climate Change (State Action) Amendment Bill in 2021 and are now progressing our Action Plan to deliver a low-emissions future.

World Environment Day is also an opportunity to recognise the important work of volunteers, researchers and community organisations and leaders to help support the Government’s efforts to protect, conserve and showcase our unique environment, flora and fauna.

“This Government, through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, is about providing certainty and stability for Tasmanians, keeping our economy strong, supporting our regional communities while keeping our environment strong.”


Media release – Bob Brown Foundation, 5 June 2024

Eighth protester arrested while Forest Practices Authority fail to halt logging in endangered species habitat

On World Environment Day, Tasmania is shamefully logging native forests that are critical habitat for endangered species, leaving the community to hold back the destruction in takayna.

At the takayna frontline, retired builder Archie Donley has been arrested after locking on to a barrel to protect the forests beyond the locked gates surrounded by security employed by the logging industry.

“I am worried about climate change and logging in native forests. Even though I am 71-years-old, I have come to takayna to try to save the forests and see logging is stopped. If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention,” said Archie Doyle.

“People my age have to step up and do something. We can’t just leave it all to the young people.”

Meanwhile, Bob Brown Foundation (BBF) has criticised Forest Practices Authority for failing to properly assess this critical habitat for endangered species before the logging started. Following the submission of a fourth set of evidence of threatened Tasmanian masked owls on the site of controversial logging on the Arthur River in takayna, Forest Practices Authority informed BBF that their ecologists will be conducting field surveys of the coupe. Meanwhile, Premier Rockliff continues to deliberately sanction logging in the endangered species habitat.

“Logging of the endangered species habitat in Takayna must cease. We are frustrated that two weeks of forests being flattened and the toothless Forest Practices Authority are not halting the logging,” said Bob Brown Foundation Takayna Campaigner Scott Jordan.

“The first evidence of masked owl presence was made available to Forest Practices Authority weeks ago. Yet it has again fallen to the community and Bob Brown Foundation to gather evidence of threatened species, and to daily prevent the destruction of these precious forests,” Scott Jordan said.

“Forest Practices Authority must act with urgency to halt logging. It is a farce to survey known endangered species habitat while the chainsaws rage,” Scott Jordan said.

Today’s action marks the fourteenth day of non-violent direct action in defense of the Arthur River forests in takayna.

Media release – City of Hobart, 5 June 2024

Protecting our wildlife and bushland: The fight against illegal wood hooking

The City of Hobart is urging residents to help protect our precious wildlife and forests by reporting illegal wood hooking and suspicious activities in our reserves.

This illegal activity not only threatens our natural habitats but also damages important infrastructure.

Sustainability in Infrastructure Portfolio Committee Chair Cr Bill Harvey said all trees, whether dead or alive, are vital in providing crucial wildlife habitats.

“Every tree plays a vital role in our ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of species,” Cr Harvey said.

“Dead trees are as important as living ones, offering shelter and food sources for many forms of wildlife.”

Cr Harvey called for a strong community call to arms.

“We need your help to dob in wood hookers,” Cr Harvey said.

“Our forests and wildlife are under threat, and we can’t protect them alone. Your vigilance can make a significant difference.”

Renowned wildlife ecologist Dr Sally Bryant said these illegal actions cause immense damage to the environment.

“Wildlife and habitats are under enormous threat, and we can’t protect them alone,” Dr Bryant said.

“The Hobart Domain is a woodland gem and we all benefit from its protection and expert management.”

Recent incidents have highlighted the need for public vigilance.

Reserve infrastructure, including gates, fire trails, and walking tracks, have suffered damage from unauthorised vehicle access and interference with rocks and bollards.

These acts not only compromise the safety and enjoyment of our reserves but also violate several by-laws related to the protection of vegetation, soil, and access without permission.

Anyone caught engaging in illegal wood collection may be proceeded against for offences including stealing, unlawful possession, trespass and any relevant traffic offences.

Cr Harvey stressed the importance of reporting suspicious activities.

“Our council employees and contractors always operate with appropriate safety gear, including personal protective equipment, hi-vis clothing, and clearly marked vehicles,” Cr Harvey said.

“If you see someone operating a chainsaw without these safety measures, it should be an instant red flag.”

A notable incident last year involved a walker notifying the council of trees cut into firewood-sized pieces in Ridgeway Reserve. This tip-off led to an investigation and the eventual apprehension of the offender.

“This is a perfect example of how public awareness and reporting can help us catch perpetrators in the act,” Cr Harvey said.

For those needing firewood, Cr Harvey advises sourcing sustainably harvested firewood through legal means.

Anyone with information about illegal firewood gathering is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.

Do not approach suspicious individuals; instead, report them to the authorities.

“Together, we can ensure our natural habitats and wildlife are protected for future generations,” said Cr Harvey.

For more information on sustainably sourced firewood, please visit the Sustainable Timbers Tasmania website here.