Media Release

Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Minister for Forestry

Monday 30th May, 2011

Forestry talks

Today’s forestry talks must result in a commitment of significant federal funds if they are to be viewed as anything other than just another talkfest aimed at perpetuating a failing process.

If not, the State Government should abandon the process and instead adopt the Liberal’s balanced, 13 point plan.

Our forest industry can no longer afford the ongoing uncertainty of the Statement of Principles process, which has no-end date and no funds to make it happen.

Investment in the industry has dried up, parties to the so-called “peace” talks are now openly warring on our TV screens with duelling advertisements, and protestors continue to blockade our forests, despite the moratorium on an additional 570,000 hectares of forest.

All parties have made it clear that a first instalment of $100 million is the minimum amount required to progress the process, with a total of up to $1 billion required to complete the process.

Clearly the State Government can’t afford the funds, and if no Federal funds are forthcoming it’s time for the State Government to step in and end the madness.

In contrast, the Liberals’ balanced, 13-point plan requires minimal public funding to protect and grow jobs in our forest industry, and at the same time provide for significantly improved environmental outcomes.