Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Forests spokesperson
The Tasmanian Greens look forward to the Liberals ruling out logging in the Wielangta forest as they have with the Tasman forests near the Three Capes Walk.
We welcome the upgrading of roads and bridges through the beautiful Wielangta forests and agree it has enormous tourism potential.
The Wielangta forests, which were set aside to become reserves under the Tasmanian Forest Agreement, are part of the 357,000 hectares the Liberals want opened up to logging.
The Liberals need to understand they can't have it both ways.
Tourists won't want to travel through clearfelled coupes, sharing the road with log trucks. They will want to drive though the mighty tall trees of Wielangta and enjoy a rare forest experience.
Just as he did in response to concerns the Liberals unjustified logging plans threaten the Three Capes Walk, Minister Barnett needs to rule out logging in Wielangta.
The threatened Southern Forests, Bruny, Blue Tier, NE Highlands and the Tarkine are all also places worth far more protected.
The Liberals' plan to log in the moratorium forests is environmental, economic and social folly.
The evidence becomes more clear with each passing day.