Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens' Leader and Forests spokesperson
If Tasmanians want any more proof that the government's plans to log the State's high conservation value forests are not supported by the hard heads in the industry, the letter from ARTEC will provide it.
It's very clear that ARTEC, a significant player in the timber industry in Tasmania, does not support the government's plan. They don't want to go into the 357 000 hectares of moratorium forests and they are making it clear the Liberals are actually threatening export markets. ARTEC is also sensible enough to know conflict over forests is bad for business.
Surely it is time for the Liberals to pull back and admit they are making a huge mistake.
It makes you wonder who the government actually spoke to before they announced the plan to go into Tasmania's high conservation value forests. Resources Minister, Guy Barnett, is looking very lonely up there arguing for logging in these beautiful forests.
Ta Ann, ARTEC and FIAT are all questioning what the government is up to. They clearly don't buy the argument that there is any need to go into these forests.
It doesn't look like the Liberals have got anyone of credibility in the industry who wants to stand next to them.
The letter from ARTEC to Minister Barnett exposes the Liberals' plan to log in the HCV forests as a sham. It also makes it clear the Liberals didn't talk to industry before they announced they were going into the moratorium forests.
It seems like the Liberals are making it up as they go along on forestry, and without the support of key industry players.