Tasmanian forestry peace deal finally signedFriday 30 Nov 2012 As reported last week, an agreement was finally reached late last week by the Tasmanian forestry industry, union and community representatives and peak environmental groups. Tasmania's Premier has declared the signing of a forestry peace deal a difficult day for the state. Negotiators have confirmed they have struck a deal to end the state's forest wars protecting half a million hectares of forest from logging. In return, the legislated quota of sawlogs will be cut to 137,000 cubic metres a year.The Forest Industries Association of Tasmania's chief executive Terry Edwards says 395,000 hectares will be reserved immediately and the balance in March 2015. Mr Edwards says it will be up to Parliament to determine whether the second tranche is reserved. Key elements of the agreement include: • A legislated minimum supply of 137,000 cubic metres of high quality sawlog and the establishment of Permanent Timber Production Zones; • An additional 37,954 hectares designated as a Specialty Craft and Timber Zones, along with peeler wood supply to meet contractual arrangements; • Support for Forest Stewardship Council certification of remaining native forestry activity; • 504,012 hectares of native forest will be given legislative protection in two tranches - 395,199 hectares after enactment of legislation and 108,813 hectares by March 2015, pending the satisfaction of durability clauses; • An additional 20,183 hectares will be designated as a once-off log, restore and reserve area, and 1,228 hectares of log-of-last-resort zone. For more information and comment, click here. |
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