Thursday, March 29th, 2007

Media Release


Bridge sit and multiple road blockade halts all logging in the Weld Valley


"Today the old growth forests of the Weld Valley are safe from logging, the whole area has been closed by forest defenders with two road blockades and an innovative bridge-sit action," said Adam Burling, convenor of the Huon Valley Environment Centre.

“One brave forest defender is suspended high above the wild Weld River attached to a bridge providing access for logging. He and the other dozen people involved are there trying to highlight the loss of these magnificent ecosystems to the chainsaws,” said Mr Burling

“The conflict in Tasmania’s forests will continue while both state and federal governments ignore the calls by experts, such as the World Heritage Bureau and our own Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife service to protect the lower Weld Valley.

Labor leader, Kevin Rudd’s backing of the logging of wilderness forests spells the potential end to places like the lower Weld Valley.

We call on the Federal ALP not to sell out to the woodchip lobby and sanction the carve-up of these pristine forests They must not sacrifice these forests for short term political gain. Peter Garrett who was once these forests' protector looks like turning to be their destroyer,” said Mr Burling

“The Federal Labor conference next month has got a decision to make, either join John Howard with the bulldozers or stand with the World Heritage quality forests of places like the Weld Valley," said Mr Burling

For further information, including photos and video footage contact:

*Adam Burling 0429966171 *

Convenor, Huon Valley Environment Centre.