Reserved landscapes safe, it's time to protect all of Lutruwita / Tasmania's native forests

Over the weekend, the Tasmanian Liberals announced their decision to “not proceed” on plans to release forest reserves in Lutruwita / Tasmania for logging. This is a huge win for local communities who have been working tirelessly to have these areas protected, as was promised over a decade ago.

In recent years, the Wilderness Society Tasmania has been leading the campaign to protect 39,000 hectares of native forests threatened with immediate release for expanded logging. The industry was paid over $121 million to have these areas protected, yet the Liberals have been secretly working to hand them over to the logging industry. 

Now we need to protect all native forests in Lutruwita / Tasmania. In a climate and biodiversity crisis, the destruction of native forests is both unconscionable and anti-science. By ending native forest logging we can support biodiversity, safeguard drinking water, and store carbon. Protecting native forests from logging is the easiest way for us to mitigate the catastrophes we face.

"Sometimes advocating for the environmental interests of communities can feel a lot like lonely, disparate, voices screaming into a void. It is gratifying to see that our collective voices have been heard. As negotiations of who will form government are ongoing, now is the time for major parties to recognise that we need community rights in environmental decision making,"  said Lilydale local Nom Blashki.

"Now the real work can begin. Restructuring the forest sector and engaging the Palawa community to create a regenerative sector that centres the protection of the very systems that provide life. We understand that the forest provides the water that we all depend upon. Whether it's hydro, agricultural or house holds, we all need water.  Protecting our mature forests with intact relational ecosystems is not only economically smart it can create a real pathway to healing past wounds. Aboriginal knowledge and healthy forests are the way through," said Ruth Langford, Yorta Yorta / Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal community leader, and Stand with Uncle Jim campaigner.

Forest campaigner for the Wilderness Society Tasmania, Hughie Nicklason, said, “This shows that change is possible—the protection of nature is a political decision. The protection of all native forests across Lutruwita / Tasmania is both realistic and desperately needed. All we need is the political will.

“I want to congratulate the local communities on their efforts to have these landscapes protected. They have fought hard and long, and the plans to log these areas have caused them much anxiety. They rely on these forests for drinking water, and see them as a part of their community. This is a huge moment for them.

“Now, we end the mindless destruction of native forests and legislate upgraded reserve tenure changes for the total 356,000 hectares of ‘future potential production forests,’ consistent with the rights and interests of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community.”