Magic Dirt supports forest protesters
Friday Oct 14 12:50 AEST

Australian rockers Magic Dirt will visit anti-logging protesters in Tasmania's Weld Valley during a short tour of the state this weekend.

The band planned to "go bush" between two gigs at Hobart's Republic Bar, playing an acoustic concert around midday on Saturday in the Weld Valley's tree-sit village.

Huon Valley Environment Centre spokeswoman Jenny Weber said the performance would be a huge boost to the protesters, who set up camp in the World Heritage-nominated area last month.

"People take notice of what Magic Dirt's doing and they're on their national album tour so it might just bring some more attention to the Weld Valley and our campaign," she said.

Protesters were trying to stop a road being built in the southern Tasmanian forest.

They were also calling for the protection of 2,000ha of forest bordering a World Heritage area.

Magic Dirt have already shown their concern for the environment by supporting Greens senator Bob Brown during his election campaign.

"We just emailed them and they were psyched. They're totally keen," Ms Weber said.

The band joins a long line of Australian and international artists to support the protection of Tasmania's forests.

John Butler, Jimmy Barnes, Ani Di Franco and Michael Franti all appear on a compilation CD to fund the cause.

©AAP 2005