Tasmanian forest deal now in doubtFriday 20 May 2011 The Australian reported this week that a key green group, The Wilderness Society, is suspending its involvement after a year of talks and despite significant progress, in the historic negotiations to end decades of conflict over Tasmania's forests. The group is blaming a "lack of engagement" in the forestry peace talks by the Gillard government.The decision appears a high-stakes gamble aimed at pushing governments to commit political and financial capital to a deal to restructure the timber industry and protect 570,000ha of forests. The Gillard government was urging TWS to reconsider its decision, insisting Canberra remained committed to facilitating a lasting peace deal for "jobs and conservation". CFMEU spokeswoman Jane Calvert said she could understand the motivations behind the decision made by The Wilderness Society. "We don't agree with The Wilderness Society's response to the lack of engagement by government, but we share their frustration," she said. "It's time for governments to step in and lead this process or risk seeing the whole lot unravel very quickly." Most key timber, union and conservation groups vowed to continue the process, but conceded a final deal would not stick without TWS. |
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