24th November 2006.

Second Protestor Arrested in Weld Today

Arrests number 20 as community resistance continues

A tree-sitter halting the destruction of pristine forest in Southern Tasmania's Weld Valley was arrested and removed this afternoon. This is the second arrest in the Weld Valley today and brings the number of arrests up to 20.

Strong community resistance to roading and logging in the world-heritage-valued area is continuing despite the large exclusion zone baring public access.

One activist was arrested this morning as he sought to stay in the exclusion zone to ensure the safety of a tree-sitter. Later this afternoon the tree sitter was arrested and taken to Hobart police station and is being held in police custody.

"We have been unable to confirm if he is being held in remand, however police have been holding arrested activists for period of up to two nights," said spokesperson Jenny Weber.

"This huge community response demonstrates that resistance to the taxpayer-funded destruction of Tasmania's wilderness forests is greater than ever," Jenny Weber said.

"The Weld Valley contains one of the largest areas of unprotected rainforest in Southern Tasmania, and other outstanding features, adjacent to the Tasmanian World Heritage Area. New roads and logging will irreparably damage the wilderness values of this area," Jenny Weber said.

Contact: Jenny Weber: 0427 366 929