Media Alert

29th September 2005

Activists in the Weld Tree Sit Village, in Southern Tasmania, have reported shots being fired and spotlights shone on camp which caused unnecessary fear late last night.

"Forestry Tasmania claimed to lock the gate on Eddy Rd, for safety reasons, between 5pm and 7am. Only people involved in the logging industry have keys. Therefore how did these people get in to the forest to scare the peaceful protesters with guns and spotlights?" Jenny Weber, spokesperson for Huon Valley Environment Centre.

"Have the protesters been subject to intimidation tactics or should Forestry Tasmania have informed the camp of potentially dangerous practices nearby?" Jenny Weber said.

"This camp is there to highlight the potential destruction of World heritage valued forests and the protesters should no be subject to these sorts of intimidating situations," Jenny Weber said.

A Tree Sit Village has been established in Southern Tasmania's threatened Lower Weld Valely. The innovative protest is halting a proposed road that will provide access to a large area of World Heritage nominated forests.

An official complaint has been made to Tasmania Police and Forestry Tasmania.

Contact: Jenny Weber 0427 366 929.