High Court Upholds Wielangta Decision

A review panel of the High Court has denied Senator Bob Brown’s application to appeal the decision by the full bench of the Federal Court in November of 2007 supporting Forestry Tasmania’s legal operations at Wielangta.

“I am pleased that the High Court has agreed with the Federal Court’s decision,” said Bob Gordon, Forestry Tasmania’s Managing Director. “Once again, a court decision has confirmed the legality of Forestry Tasmania’s forest management. This matter is now behind us and we will continue with the job of responsibly managing the forest.”

“The decision provides further assurances for the forest industry. Customers can be assured that Tasmanian timber products are sourced from legally and sustainably managed forests.

“It is now incumbent upon Senator Brown and his supporters stop their litigious campaign of trying to put an end to Tasmania’s forest industry.

“Most politicians try to create jobs in their constituency. Senator Brown is the only politician actively working to shut down a sustainable industry that accounts for 25% of the economy in his home state. It is an industry that is absorbing significant amounts of atmospheric carbon.

“Once again, I call on the anti-forestry factions to rise above the propaganda and groundless court cases.

“Forestry Tasmania is managing State forests for multiple values, including timber, carbon, recreation, water quality, and many others. Forest Practices Plans must accommodate wildlife, including threatened species, and native forests must be regenerated after harvest.

Forestry Tasmania does not use chemicals to regenerate the forest. Biodiversity is maintained while growing forests continue to absorb carbon.


David Tuck, Corporate Affairs 6233 8249
ENDS
24 May 2008