The Tasmanian State Government denied its stance on mining in the Tarkine contradicts its forest policy. The Premier said Tasmania was already considered the national park of Australia, and she did not support a blanket heritage listing to stop new mines in the Tarkine region. Source: Yahoo 7 News
Opposition spokesman Peter Gutwein said that flew in the face of the forest peace process that aimed to create more forest reserves. Minister Bryan Green said the forest peace talks were a totally separate issue.
“People need to remember, including Mr Gutwein, it was in fact the industry, the ENGOs and the unions who suggested they needed to get around the table and see whether they could come to a resolution on this important issue a couple of years ago,” Mr Green said.
The Federal Government is still considering the Tarkine heritage listing.
Tasmanian Greens have called on the Forest Industries Association of Tasmania (FIAT) to rejoin the forest peace talks. FIAT walked away from the negotiating table because it opposed the restructure of Forestry Tasmania.
Greens spokeswoman Cassy O’Connor said she hoped FIAT and other signatories could still reach an agreement to end the long-running dispute.
“That’s up to FIAT but I’d love to see them return to the table,” Ms O’Connor said.
“I think it’s really important that we do find resolution to the conflict that’s been in our forests for decades so that we are able to help struggling forest families and protect more of our beautiful forests.”
The Resources Minister said it was essential that FIAT stay involved.
“The fact is we can’t get the legislation through the upper house without their support so it’s essential that they’re there,” he said.
