Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens Member for Bass
Now is the time for the Premier to step in and give those who have been fighting for the Lapoinya forest the gift of a Christmas reprieve.
Lapoinya is home to threatened species such, like the Giant Freshwater Crayfish and a healthy Tasmanian Devil population.
RTI documents also show that Lapoinya may well have aboriginal archaeology and heritage sites within its boundaries.
There are precious Leatherwood trees along the river, which indicate there may be further trees in the coupe. But because of the dense forest, we won't know the extent until it's too late.
Clearfelling Lapoinya would send a clear message that the government doesn't understand sustainable forestry practises and it's as far away from Forest Stewardship Certification as it has ever been.
Our forest estate is worthless without FSC. A Christmas reprieve for Lapoinya and its threatened species would send a positive message to the community and to industry.