Uncertainty Reigns in Budget Estimates Hearing as Bilateral Agreement Announcement Offers Facade of Security to Flailing Logging Industry

The Wilderness Society condemns the announcement to pre-emptively gazette bilateral agreements between the Australian Federal Government and Tasmanian State Government next week on June 9.

This announcement comes amidst intense uncertainty for Lutruwita / Tasmania’s forests, which are currently being destroyed by Forestry Tasmania with the support of the Forest Practices Authority. 

When asked what would need to change for the Forest Practices Authority to comply with Federal Law reforms, Chief Forest Practices Office Anne Chuter said it was “unknown”. Tasmania currently logs old growth forests, rainforests, water supply catchments, steep slopes, engages in clearfelling practices, and is destroying some of the last habitat for a number of threatened species - all with dismal social license and without the approval of the rightful owners, the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

TWS strongly opposes the devolution of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) approval and enforcement powers to state and territory governments, viewing it as a major risk to threatened species, critical habitats, Aboriginal cultural heritage, and local communities across Tasmania. 

“Just like the rush to lock in new long-term logging contracts, this agreement goes live before the National Environment Standards meant to govern it exists, and continues the same tired spin that forestry in Lutruwita / Tasmania is in any way sustainable” said Forest Campaigner for the Wilderness Society Tasmania, Hughie Nicklason. 

“No bilateral agreement can greenwash the destruction of Lutruwita / Tasmania’s iconic and unique native forests.” 

“Lutruwita / Tasmania’s forests deserve so much more. We need to see protection, land back, and restoration, not further destruction of our magnificent home by a declining and unviable industry.”

“Tasmanians and Australians overwhelmingly want an end to native forest logging. We must ensure that future generations are able to experience these wondrous landscapes.”

“Instead of capitulating to a small cabal of companies,  the Australian Government must work up the courage to protect what is left of Lutruwita / Tasmania's native forests  - before it is too late.”