Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
The Premier and his Resources Minister would do well to look to Tasmania’s largest plantation manager, Forico, for an example of real leadership in best-practice forest management and protection.
Forico’s ‘Natural Capital Report’ addresses the ecological and carbon value of forest protection, and its positive contributions to the business’s bottom line.
This Australia-first report recognizes the intrinsic value in forests, and their worth for habitat, biodiversity, and as vast carbon banks.
Forico’s evidence-based and holistic approach stands in stark contrast to the unscientific and uneconomic clearfell and burn mentality to which the Gutwein Government is so attached.
This report demonstrates native forest destruction is not just environmentally reckless, it’s also bad economics. It also compromises Tasmania’s hard-won, lucrative clean and green brand.
As Forico’s Bryan Hayes makes clear, it’s past time to think about forests in terms of their natural values. We can earn a positive return to the state by protecting and restoring natural forests.
Like McGowan and Forico, the Premier could have as his legacy a lasting gift to future generations.