Evan Rolley Visit Tahune AirWalk:
A Woodchip Coverup

29th November 2005

(at Tahune Airwalk 9:00am)

Members of the Save the Weld Action Group (SWAG) have highlighted the destruction of unique forests, just minutes from one of the state's premiere tourist attractions, at the National Eco Tourism Conference meet being held at the Tahune Airwalk tommorrow, 30th November. The protest will coincide with a presentation made by Evan Rolley, Forestry Tasmania's CEO.

"The ancient forests, spectacular waterfalls and awesome views of the Weld Valley would make a perfect addition to the Tahune Airwalk experience," said spokesperson Rob Sheehan. "But Forestry Tasmania continues to clearfell and burn these pristine forests."

"How can Forestry Tasmania be representatives of Eco Tourism while they continue to clearfell and woodchip Tasmania's natural heritage? World Heritage Nominated forests are planned for clearfelling this summer."

"Tahune Airwalk is a woodchip coverup. Visitors to the Airwalk are not given the real story and are prevented from visiting places such as the Weld Valley, due to locked gates." Said Rob Sheehan

Tasmania's logging practices have faced a raft of criticism at the Eco-Tourism conference, including criticism from National Geographic Magazine.

Comment
Rob Sheehan 0429 401 654
Jenny Weber 0427 366 929