25th January 2006

Weld Valley Activists, Gate Keepers
Activists hold Weld Valley gate open

Activists and community members have held an access gate to the Lower Weld Valley open for the third day running.

The gate proposed to be locked by Forestry Tasmania on Monday is still open with a tree-sit hung off two tripods on the road, thus leaving the World Heritage valued Lower Weld Valley open to the public.

"For over 4 months we have camped here in the Weld Valley to defend these world heritage valued forests from the wood chippers," spokesperson Jess McLachlan said. "Access is a critical issue for us, not only for safety but also to allow the public to see what may be lost to the chainsaws," Ms McLachlan said.

"We are happy to be the gate keepers to this magnificent area. Over a thousand people have enjoyed access to these ancient forests while we have been camped here. Locking up the forests is a way for Forestry Tasmania to hide the destruction of these ancient areas," Jess McLachlan said.

Weld Valley Camp members were notified by Forestry Tasmania that Eddy Rd gate would be locked on Monday 23rd Jan at 5pm. If the gate is locked, people will be defending forests 20 kms behind a locked gate. Forestry Tasmania have made no further attempts to lock the gate, after activists established a tree sit over the gate that prevents the gate from closing.

Contact Jess McLachlan 0420 100 550
Jenny Weber 0427 366 929