Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Forests spokesperson
News that Western Australia will end native forest logging by 2024 due to the forests’ critical importance in fighting climate change is monumental in its significance.
We hope Premier Gutwein is paying attention.
WA Premier, Mark McGowan said – Our native forests are unique, beautiful and important, particularly in the fight against climate change. And today we've announced our plan to end the logging of our native forests – ensuring a total of nearly two million hectares will be protected for future generations.
The WA Premier’s words will not only bring heart to forest defenders and climate activists across the country, they carry a critical truth. Protecting carbon-sink forests are crucial in the mitigating the catastrophic impacts of climate change.
On behalf of the Greens, we call on Premier Gutwein follow his WA counterpart’s lead and put the health of his community first – just as they both have in the COVID crisis.
Mr McGowan is playing his part, it’s time for Premier Gutwein to show the same leadership.
There is no moral or financial justification for continuing to log, burn and chip Tasmania’s vast native forest carbon banks.
Ending native forest logging would be the most important decision Mr Gutwein could make in his last days as the first Liberal Climate Change Minister.
The IPCC has been crystal clear - we are in a Code Red for humanity. We have to keep the carbon that is in the ground, in the ground.
Premier Gutwein must follow Premier McGowan and end native forest logging in lutruwita/Tasmania. He owes it to this island and its people. He owes it to young Tasmanians who will inherit his legacy as leader.
Will he show the leadership young Tasmanians are crying out for and put an end to native forest logging?