Claim for financial loss from protest to proceed

FT will be proceeding with its legal action to seek recompense for financial losses suffered during the protest on the road to the Tahune AirWalk, Managing Director Bob Gordon said today.

Mr Gordon said that FT had made the decision to proceed after receiving independent  advice that it is legally entitled to seek restitution.  The damages claim will be heard in the Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

“We have taken legal action reluctantly, but we believe that we have no choice but to seek redress through the courts.  We have exhausted every avenue to find a way for protesters to make their point without putting others at risk.

“We believe there is an important principle at stake in this case. Illegal protests endanger FT staff and cost our contractors up to $10,000 a day.  The rights of these people are being trampled upon by activists who think that they are above the law.

“There have been no less than 39 illegal protests in Huon District this year, and a further 18 in Derwent District – a total of 57.  This puts the cost to our contractors alone at over half a million dollars.

“People in the forest industry are increasingly frustrated over this issue.  They are questioning why a person who enters the playing arena at Bellerive would be fined $2,000, but a person who interferes with a contractor’s right to work gets off without financial penalty.

“In future, we will make sure we give police sufficient information to put to the courts about the seriousness of these matters.

“However, I have faith in the legal system to protect the innocent and punish the guilty.”

Mr Gordon said FT has reduced its damages claim to around $2,000, following the advice of legal counsel.

“I am aware from media reports that the Huon Valley Environment Centre has set aside this amount, so I am confident that it will cause no great hardship to Ms Beltran.”

Mr Gordon said that FT remained willing to enter into negotiations with the environmental movement to determine ways in which protests could be made legally and safely.

“I am on the public record as stating that FT supports the right of citizens to voice their opinions through legal protests. 

“In this matter, we follow the lead of the Police Commissioner, Richard McCreadie, has recently reiterated his willingness to uphold the right to legal protests.

“I emphasise that our door remains open to the environmental movement, should its representatives wish to discuss a positive way forward.” 


ENDS
3rd October 2007

Media inquiries:
Meaghan Newson
Corporate Relations
Ph: 6233 7052