Forest Practices Plans Revoked in Over 500,000 Hectares of Future Reserve Land
The Tasmanian Greens said that today’s commencement of the Tasmanian Forests Agreement Act 2012, will see the Forest Practices Plans revoked in over 500, 000 hectares of designated Future Reserve land.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP also pointed to the reduced sawlog quota from 300,000 cubic metres re annum to 137, 000 cubic metres per annum, which also comes in force with the Act’s commencement as another tangible shift redefining the forest debate.
“Today is a watershed day for Tasmania’s precious forests,” Mr McKim said.
“The commencement of the TFA Act scheduled for today, will see the revocation of previously approved Forest Practices plans within the 500, 000 hectares of Future Reserve land.”
“This marks the real shift on the ground towards securing the protection of iconic areas of high conservation value forests, since the TFA Bill passed the Parliament late last month.”
“It will now be a breach of the law should native forest harvesting, as defined by the new Act, occur within the designated Future Reserve Land which is no longer covered by a forest practices plan.”
“The clock is now also ticking on the 30 day countdown by which the Minister must table the Initial Proposed Reserve Order for the Future Reserve land in both Houses of Parliament. This covers iconic forests including within the Styx, Florentine, Tarkine, Weld, Blue Tier, and the Tasman Peninsula.”
“This will then start the gazettal process of new reserves, should the Proposed Reserve Order be accepted by both Houses.”
“Royal Assent of the Act also means that the legislated sawlog quota for Forestry Tasmania is now officially reduced to 137, 000 cubic metres per annum.”
“The list of transitional coupes under the TFA has been reduced, and last week we saw the postponement of sensitive Bruny Island coupes, and the Greens urge Forestry Tasmania to resolve the remaining transitional coupes as swiftly as possible.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader Monday, 3 June 2013
