Let the Justice System do its work

Let the Justice System do its work

Tasmanians are being urged to brace for more unsubstantiated claims as the Huon Valley Environment Centre (HVEC) seeks to recover from the damage done to its reputation by activists in balaclavas who cut down tree while staging an illegal and dangerous protest in the Weld Valley.

General Manager of Operations Kim Creak appealed to the community to leave it to the courts to sort out.

"I hope that the community will keep a level head about this and be thoughtful and patient. There may be attempts to inflame the situation. It’s best to allow the justice system to do its work.

“We are aware that the publication of a photograph of two masked activists had shocked some members of the community, who previously viewed such protests as peaceful, non-violent and little more than an inconvenience to the forest industry.

"Activists attending this protest were particularly abusive and I thank staff for keeping a cool head.

"FT employees were told a lock down device contained substances that would injure the activist wearing it if any attempt was made to remove it. Not surprisingly, this is now being denied," Mr Creak said.

"In the past, the anti-forestry groups like the HVEC has managed its image by providing footage to television stations for use in their news bulletins. This typically features an articulate spokesperson. The other face of the HVEC was finally revealed to the public with the release of a photo showing an FT staff member attempting to negotiate with two balaclava-clad activists.

ENDS
10 January, 2008

Media inquiries:
David Tuck,
Corporate Relations
6233 8249