[Huon Forests] Florentine camp bust

[Adam Burling]

MEDIA RELEASE*

*3/5/09*

*Police move in so logging may begin. *

60 Police have raided camp Florentine this morning to remove road blockades
so that logging of the contentious area can begin. An Exclusion Zone has
been declared by Forestry Tasmania, to prevent public access to the area. A
Hobart man has already been arrested for being in the exclusion zone. More
arrests are expected today.

Three conservationists are positioned 50 m up tree platforms blocking the
access road and log landing.

Two conservationists are chained to vehicles cemented into the road. Another
is occupying a tunnel that has been dug under the road preventing access to
the old growth logging area.

The protest camp has been running since 2006 when Forestry Tasmania began
pushing a new road through pristine wilderness forest. Despite widespread
public condemnation Forestry Tasmania now plan to log 25 hectares of the
first 50 hectare coupe, 80% of the timber will be wood chipped.

“It’s disappointing to see, once again, Tasmania Police being the public
escort for Gunn’s Ltd and Forestry Tasmania’s ruthless plans to log our
remaining old growth forests into extinction. 80% of the forest that will be
logged will go to Asia to make wrapping, toilet and writing paper. Is this
how we want our iconic world heritage valued forests to be remembered?” said
spokesperson Ed Hill.

“The logging industry is facing massive cutbacks and a stagnant wood chip
market. Ports are drowning under wood chip stockpiles, yet this government
insists on continuing to decimate the pristine, carbon dense forests of the
upper Florentine for woodchips.” Said Mr. Hill

“This is a last ditch effort by the Bartlett Government and they’re good
mates Gunn’s ltd to obliterate remaining old growth areas before the state
of the wood chip market prevents them from doing so.”

“Given the current economic climate it is irresponsible of David Bartlett to
allow our iconic, globally recognized old growth forests to be destroyed
forever for short term marginal gain. David Bartlett should realize the long
term value of our forests for tourism, carbon storage, habitat, clean air
and water.” Said Mr. Hill

Hundred’s of people are expected to attend a community rally in the upper
Florentine this Sunday, to support the actions of the conservationists.

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