In a highly unexpected move, the Tasmanian Liberal Party went for the jugular. They still have a long way to go, but they’ve committed to not opening 39,000 hectares of native forest to logging. It followed the recent state election which resulted in that rare beast – a hung parliament. Their results were a 14 seat Liberal, 10 seat for Labor, the Greens 5 and then the independents plus the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers on a 6 seat combination. Felix Ellis, the Liberal Member for Braddon, said that the decision was in keeping with what the community wanted.
Nick Steel, a representative of the Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA), emphasized the importance of forestry in addressing Tasmania’s current budget crisis. He expanded by saying the “wood bank” would produce more than 158,000 cubic metres of the highest quality saw logs. This new area is referred to as the Future Potential Production Forest (FPPF). Given the Liberal Party’s decision to pull out of the logging effort, their motivations and timing are questionable and suspicious.
Political Dynamics and Community Response
Communications Workers of America labor leader Dean Winter was pleased with the decision but raised doubts about the timing of and intentions behind the new direction. This shift in policy appears to be a tactical genius move. Marshalling support for crossbenchers is its explicit intention, particularly in the context of the current minority government.
Rosalie Woodruff, leader of the Tasmanian Greens, welcomed the Liberal Party decision with equal gusto. She called it a win for localities that had fought the logging plan with a campaign. Woodruff highlighted that the new minority parliament arrangement has made it evident to both major parties that they must consider broader perspectives rather than pursuing their own agendas.
“Now a new minority parliament arrangement makes it clear to both the Liberal and Labor parties that they can’t get it all their way.” – Rosalie Woodruff
Industry Implications and Future Prospects
Nick Steel expressed a considerably more delicate opinion about the ruling. While acknowledging that some in Tasmania’s forestry sector may find the news disappointing, he reaffirmed the TFPA’s commitment to collaborating with both major parties for sustainable industry development. Steel underscored that sustainable forestry is a key part of future proofing and supporting regional Tasmania. He called it essential for addressing the state’s budget crisis.
“Tasmania’s forestry sector is a key component for the success of regional Tasmania and essential to help the state overcome its current budget crisis.” – Nick Steel
Steel’s remarks indicate that while the immediate plans for logging have been shelved, discussions about future forestry policies may continue. The TFPA intends to be the go-to organization to partner with public officials to achieve lasting change and sustainability in the industry.
