Media
Forestry deal hits headwinds
August 9, 2011
The intergovernmental agreement designed to save the Tasmanian forestry industry is meeting more opposition in industry and business groups.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard signed off on the $276 million deal in Launceston on Sunday, headlined by $85 million to support contractors and their families affected by the downturn.
Local residents blockade forest logging in Toolangi
9 Aug 11, by stewart kerr
Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader
A team of volunteers has stopped logging in Toolangi Sate Forest in a last ditch effort to save the threatened Leadbeaters Possum from extinction. The “Gunbarrel” and “Freddo” coupes on Sylvia Creek Road contain old growth forest that was spared from the Black Saturday fires, but is scheduled to be clear felled by state owned company Vic Forests. Wood from these forests are largely going to make Reflex paper which has sparked a boycott of brand led by the Wilderness Society. The around 30 protesters are camping on properties of local residents and driving up each day to set up blockades to stop the area being logged.
Forest peace deal under threat
abc.net.au
Aug 8, 2011
Tasmania's forest peace deal is in jeopardy, only 24 hours after it was signed, as the forest industry abandons support because of last minute changes sought by the Greens.
The forest industries association has labelled the deal an abomination and will campaign to have it torn up in parliament.
Peace process divides forest industry
Aug 8, 2011
A rift has emerged in Tasmania's ailing forest industry over the multi-million-dollar assistance package, signed off by the Prime Minister in Launceston yesterday.
The forest peace process has always divided the Tasmanian community and its political parties, but now it is causing a split in the industry as well.
Arrests at forest protest
Published in the Yea Chronicle, Aug 3, 2011
Historic agreement provides certainty for Tasmania's forests and forest industry
Media Release - The Hon. Tony Burke MP - Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
7 August 2011
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings have this morning signed a landmark agreement that will provide certainty for Tasmania’s forestry industry, support local jobs and communities, and protect the state’s ancient forests.
The agreement has been reached between the Federal and State Labor Governments after a long period of collaboration and consultation with key industry and environmental stakeholders.
Fuji Xerox cuts ties with logging company
AAP
August 04, 2011
ENVIRONMENTALISTS have praised Fuji Xerox for cutting ties with a big paper manufacturer accused of wrongfully logging Indonesian rainforests.
Fuji Xerox Australia announced today it will no longer be doing business with Asia Pacific Resources International (APRIL), which owns one of the world's largest paper mills.
Fuji Xerox managing director Nick Kugenthiran said fresh allegations of APRIL unsustainably clearing forest land in Sumatra was the final straw after months of doubts.
Gunns' shares suspended
Aug 5, 2011
Shares in Tasmanian timber company Gunns have been suspended for two days.
Gunns is in a trading halt as the company waits for the finalisation of Tasmania's forestry peace agreement.
The trading halt came after $38 million was wiped from the company in two days, and shares hit a record low of 20 cents.
Forests inquiry boss worried about sale reasons
Aug 4, 2011
The chairman of a state parliamentary inquiry into the proposed sale of forest rotations in south-east South Australia says he is disturbed by the rationale behind it.
Deal aims to bring peace to Tasmanian forests
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Broadcast: 04/08/2011
Reporter: Martin Cuddihy
A deal that aims to bring peace to Tasmania's forests, conservationists and loggers is about to be signed at the end of the week. But is the plan enough to keep all parties happy?