Protest Against Tasmania Forest Logging
Leading up to the state election in Tasmania, the Tasmanian Liberals have pledged to increase the logging of the state’s native forests, labeling calls to halt the practice as an “anti-jobs pledge.”
Recently, a significant number of individuals gathered in Hobart for a ‘March For Forests’ rally, coordinated by the Bob Brown Foundation. This rally highlighted a growing shift in public sentiment away from both the Liberals and Labor parties due to their support for logging.
Looking ahead, Tasmanians are gearing up to cast their votes for a new government on Saturday, March 23.
Protest March in Hobart
Just days before Tasmania’s state election, a massive demonstration took place in Hobart, with thousands marching against the logging of native forests. Bob Brown, a seasoned advocate for wilderness preservation, emphasized the need to eliminate those who harm the Earth.
The protest in Hobart led to the closure of parts of the CBD to accommodate the large crowd. Participants marched along Murray Street to the parliament lawns, demanding an immediate halt to forest logging practices.
Tasmania forest logging protest
attracted a large crowd as numerous individuals participated in the march, advocating for the cessation of native forest logging in the region. The event was captured by Isabella Podwinski for ABC News.
Exploring Tasmania’s Environmental Commitments Amidst Forest Logging Protests
In the midst of Tasmania forest logging protests, the major political parties in Tasmania are under scrutiny for their environmental promises. Tasmania’s pristine environment is a key aspect of its identity, raising questions about the measures being proposed to safeguard it.
Tasmania Forest Logging Protest: ‘March For Forests’ Rally Demands End to Native Forest Logging
The recent ‘March For Forests’ rally, orchestrated by the Bob Brown Foundation, urged the major political parties to emulate Western Australia and Victoria in ceasing the logging of native forests. This initiative comes as these two states stand as the sole pioneers in putting an end to this practice.
Renowned anti-logging advocate and former federal Greens leader, Bob Brown, expressed astonishment at the massive turnout, labeling it the “largest pre-election gathering” he had ever witnessed. With an anticipated attendance of 500, the rally drew over 3,000 individuals, showcasing a significant shift away from traditional parties supporting logging.
Brown emphasized, “We are Earth, and Earth is us. Our duty is to eliminate those who harm our planet.” The sentiment resonated strongly as a passionate speaker addressed the crowd gathered at Hobart’s parliament lawns during the Sunday rally.
Tasmania forest logging protest: Political Stance on Timber Production
Both the Liberals and Labor in Tasmania are not in favor of halting timber harvesting in the native forests of the region.
In a policy announcement made in February, the Tasmanian Liberals revealed their plan to “unlock Tasmania’s native forestry ‘wood bank’, aiming to increase the annual supply of high-quality sawlog to Tasmanian sawmillers by up to 10 percent if re-elected as the majority Rockliff Liberal government.”
Jeremy Rockliff, the Liberal Leader, emphasized, “The Liberals stand as staunch supporters of Tasmania’s high-value native forestry sector, showing strong support for Tasmanian sawmillers, contractors, and the preservation of local jobs.”
Tasmania forest logging protest
was highlighted as activists erected platforms on the Organ Pipes at Mount Wellington/kunanyi over the weekend to raise awareness for the upcoming ‘March for Forests’ demonstration. The initiative was organized by the Bob Brown Foundation.
Tasmania forest logging protest: Individuals barred from native forestry areas
Tasmania’s native forestry estate, spanning 812,000 hectares, now prohibits 19 individuals from accessing any part of it for an unspecified duration.
**Exploring Tasmania’s Forest Policies**
**Tasmanian Liberals’ Forest Commitments**
The Tasmanian Liberals have pledged to allocate up to 40,000 hectares of native forest through the establishment of a “wood bank.” Additionally, they aim to provide an extra 158,000 cubic meters of high-quality sawlog to support the local Tasmanian industry.
During their tenure, the Tasmanian Liberals introduced what some have criticized as “anti-protest” laws. These laws led to 19 individuals receiving indefinite bans from entering the state’s public native forestry estate, spanning 812,000 hectares, due to their involvement in protesting logging activities.
**Labor’s Proposed Actions**
In contrast, Labor has vowed to conduct an independent assessment of Tasmania’s native and plantation forests designated for logging if they secure victory in the upcoming March 23 election. Furthermore, they plan to halt the ongoing plantation sawlog expression of interest process managed by Sustainable Timber Tasmania.
The recent Organ Pipes protest, which involved members of Tasmania’s climbing community, was a collaborative effort, as highlighted by the Bob Brown Foundation. This event underscores the ongoing discussions surrounding Tasmania’s forest logging practices.
Tasmania Forest Logging Protest: Liberals’ Plan to Expand Logging in Forests Sparks Controversy
Amid growing concerns, the Tasmanian Forest Products Association criticizes the Liberals for treating the industry as a mere “political football.”
Protest against logging in Tasmania’s forests
Tasmania Forest Logging Protest: Activist Criticizes Major Parties’ Environmental Policies
In a recent rally, Alice Hardinge, campaign manager for the Wildness Society, expressed her concerns about the environmental policies of the two major political parties, referring to them as engaging in a detrimental “race to the bottom”.
Hardinge highlighted the alarming increase in native forest logging under the current Liberal government, with over 7,000 hectares of native forests being logged in lutruwita/Tasmania last year alone.
The strong turnout at the rally indicated a widespread passion for environmental issues among the public, according to Hardinge.
If elected, the Tasmanian Greens have pledged to halt native forest logging, implement a transition program for forestry workers to leave the industry, and establish a 356,000-hectare forest reserve.
Rosalie Woodruff, leader of the Greens, assured protesters that change is achievable, emphasizing the party’s commitment to ending environmental destruction.
Woodruff reiterated the Greens’ dedication to protecting nature, vowing to continue their efforts in parliament to combat environmental harm.
Tasmania forest logging protest
took place at a Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) logging coupe in Tasmania in December 2023, organized by the Bob Brown Foundation.
No change in direction, Rockliff affirms
Earlier, Mr Rockliff informed the media that his party would not review its stance on Tasmania forest logging protest.
He emphasized our stance: supporting the Tasmania forest logging protest means supporting the industry and jobs in rural and regional areas.
“None of the individuals I support are committing to a pledge from an environmental organization, essentially agreeing to policies that could jeopardize employment opportunities in rural and regional Tasmania.”
“It’s a pledge against employment.”
Protests Against Tasmania Forest Logging
Amidst the controversy surrounding Tasmania forest logging, passionate protests have emerged to protect the precious natural landscapes.
Exploring the Environmental Commitments of Tasmania’s Leading Political Parties
Liberals’ Proposal to Expand Tasmania Forest Logging Faces Opposition
Protests against Tasmania forest logging intensify as Liberals push for increased allocation to loggers.
To delve deeper into the
Tasmania forest logging protest
, you can explore the following topics:
- Activism and Lobbying
- Forestry
- Hobart
- State and Territory Government
- TAS
