A split has emerged in environment groups over a letter supporting timber company Ta Ann. The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and The Wilderness Society (TWS) wrote to customers asking them not to cancel contracts. Sources: ABC News, The Australian
The Australian newspaper obtained a letter sent by ACF and TWS to customers of veneer maker Ta Ann urging them not to “make any decisions that could adversely affect Tasmanian suppliers”.
It was sent to Ta Ann’s predominantly Japanese customers and directly undermines campaigns by Markets for Change and the Huon Valley Environment Centre to have the same customers tear up their contracts.
Malaysian-owned Ta Ann does not process old growth but accepts wood from forest coupes where some old growth, or forest regarded by green groups as of high conservation value, may be harvested.
This has led conservation groups to attack Ta Ann’s two Tasmanian mills as the main “driver” of the destruction of many of Tasmania’s oldest and most environmentally significant forests.
“This is an act of treachery to the forests,” Markets for Change campaigner and former Tasmanian Greens leader Peg Putt told The Australian.
“It’s unprecedented that TWS and ACF are prepared to support the forest industry and undermine not only our own campaign but that of Japanese campaigners,” Ms Weber said.
TWS national director Lyndon Schneiders denied it was a betrayal of conservationists.
“I don’t see how anyone could see this as a betrayal; it’s simply saying ‘give the (forest peace) talks a chance’,” said Mr Schneiders, who signed the letter along with ACF chief executive Don Henry.
“We are saying there is a prospect for peace and . . . peace can deliver the protection of high-conservation-value forests and put industry on a sustainable basis and end the controversy over wood products in Tasmania.”
