17 May 2006

Police charge anti-logging protesters

Five anti-logging protesters have been charged with trespass after occupying Forestry Tasmania's headquarters in Hobart today.

A group of about 30 activists were protesting about logging around wedge-tailed eagles' nests in the Weld Valley.

Five of the activists chained themselves to the inside structure of the building.

Inspector David Plumpton says police had to use bolt cutters to free two of the protesters.

"There is a strong commitment from them that they will not cause any action that may endanger not only themselves, but the police," he said.

"We've respected that commitment and as a result of that we will just be using the equipment available here."

A spokesperson for Forestry Tasmania says adequate buffer zones are in place around all eagles' nests in the Weld Valley.