Media Release

Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Minister for Forestry

Monday 28th February, 2011

Community revolt over forestry Statement of Principles

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Tasmanian community is in revolt over the disastrous forestry Statement of Principles.

The Statement has been cobbled together by big business, big environment and big unions, all intent on getting an outcome which is in their own interests, not necessarily the interests of the broader Tasmanian community.

It has been foolishly embraced by Labor, desperate to appease the Greens over the forestry issue.

Now the TFGA, furniture makers, grass-roots timber workers, and even the head of the Government’s own Irrigation Development Board have all joined the Tasmanian Liberals in opposing the process.

It is not in Tasmania’s interests to shut down our renewable, job rich native forest sector.

And while we can and should have the pulp mill, it should not be in exchange for shutting our native forest industry.

In contrast, the Tasmanian Liberals have consulted widely with the community and developed a balanced, positive 13 point plan that will help position our forestry industry to tackle the challenges and remain competitive, while allowing for improved environmental outcomes.

One of the key elements of our plan is that a triple bottom line assessment must be undertaken to ensure that the environmental, economic and social impacts are understood before any changes or restructuring occurs in relation to our publicly owned forests.

The lack of this type of assessment along with the failure to consult with local communities is why the Government’s flawed process must be halted. Return to Media Centre