The forest deal has descended into more chaos with the revelation that the proposed boundaries have not yet been finalized and that the Greens may be targeting other states. Source: Timberbiz
In a letter to forest IGA signatory interim chair Jane Calvert, dated April 30, Environment Minister Tony Burke said his officials continued to work with the Tasmanian Government and Forestry Tasmania to define the extension boundaries.
“To learn now that the boundaries are not yet finalised sheds some light on the reason that detailed maps have not been made available for the public to make comment on,” Opposition spokesman for Forestry Senator Richard Colbeck said.
“It has been impossible to properly assess the real impact on the community without the real detail.
“There is no way that they can justifiably consider this proposal given the way it was submitted and now being managed. It should be rejected.”
Senator said the forest process resulted from a concerted strategy across green organisations, which were now moving onto other targets.
The senator re-released a 2010 document that shows the Tasmanian campaign was run with a view to later target native forest sectors in Victoria and West Australia.
“When we first released this document no one wanted to listen – green NGO denials held more weight,” Senator Colbeck said.
“This document shows the foundation of Markets for Change, a front line campaign unit of the green movement attacking business in Australia to kill off the native forest industry, with foundation funding out of the Wilderness Society.
“The more concessions provided to the greens the more incentive they will have for new campaigns on forestry and other industries.
“In Mr Sidebottom’s own seat – after securing massive new reserves under the IGA – they are targeting mining, tourism development and dairy expansion.”
Senator Colbeck was responding to comments by Mr Sidebottom that greens should put aside old politics and embrace “new politics” in which parties arrive at balance and consensus.
“Labor needs the strength to stand up for Tasmanian workers, whose jobs are at risk because of these reckless actions.
