18 May 2006

Forestry industry defends eagle protection efforts

Forestry Tasmania has rejected suggestions by anti-logging activists it is not doing enough to protect wedge-tailed eagles in the Weld Valley in southern Tasmania.

Yesterday, a group of protesters occupied Forestry Tasmania's headquarters in Hobart.

Five of them, who chained themselves to the inside of the building, were arrested and charged with trespass.

The group claims logging in the Weld Valley is destroying wedge-tailed eagle habitat.

Despite the arrests, Inspector David Plumpton says it was an orderly and peaceful protest.

"I personally then went around and spoke to all the protesters involved, they gave a number of commitments to myself, also through their police liaison officer, whereby we could be assured there would be no violent action," he said.

"Obviously we also give a commitment that that is our only reason for being here, to ensure the peace is kept and the law is upheld and they respect that and we respect their right to protest."