Media Release
Thursday 16th November 2006

Melbourne protest to support Tasmania's forests

Conservationists in Melbourne have this morning gathered at the Collins Street office of Tourism Tasmania to protest the ongoing destruction of Tasmania's forests.

This morning's action is in solidarity with tree sitters and a community walk-in to forest scheduled for logging in Tasmania's Weld Valley. This comes the day after 60 police raided and demolished the long-standing Weld forest blockade.

Conservation groups and members of the community have called for the cessation of construction of a road which would open up 2000ha of pristine, globally significant World Heritage valued forest for logging and woodchipping.

Spokesperson Nicole Peach said, "The logging of Tasmania's old growth forests is a national issue. While Tasmania is promoted as a tourism hotspot for Australia, its icon forests are being destroyed for woodchips."

Huon Valley Environment Centre spokesperson Jenny Weber said, "Weld Valley Blockade in Tasmania's south, has been the site for community resistance for the past twelve months, preventing the logging of ancient forest for woodchips."

The Weld Ark Blockade has become an inspiring symbol for the campaign to protect the high conservation value forests of Southern Tasmania from being destroyed by clearfelling. It has attracted researchers, media, tourists, activists and local community alike over the last 18 months. The Weld Ark was demolished after 60 police embarked on an early morning raid yesterday.

These forests are home to many endemic species including the endangered wedge tail eagle.

VENUE: Tasmania Travel Centre 259 Collins Street, Melbourne
TIME: 9am today
Media Contacts:
Tasmania: Jenny Weber 0427 366 929 Huon Valley Environment Centre
Melbourne: Kylie MacFarlane 0410 113 900
Nicole Peach 0429 333 960