Thursday, January 08, 2009

GUNNing Down Public Participation in Tasmania

MEDIA RELEASE

Gunns Limited is serving a writ on 13 forest defenders claiming damages resulting from an action conducted at the Triabunna woodchip mill last month.

Activists halted work at the mill to draw attention to the impact of old growth logging on climate change.

Gunns Limited is claiming damages for trespass, and seeking an injunction that will prevent the defendants from entering its property.

"The action taken at Triabunna was legitimate peaceful protest, taken in defense of Tasmania's carbon dense old growth forest. The Tasmanian people will not stand by and allow the destruction of ancient forest to continue just because Gunns has decided to throw its weight around," Still Wild Still Threatened spokesperson Ula Majewski said.

"Vast tracts of our precious old growth and high conservation value forests continue to be logged, woodchipped and exported by Gunns Limited" said Ula Majewski.
"This is a move that smacks of desperation. Gunns is aware of the growing frustration and anger within the community resulting from its destructive logging operations. Actions such as this will do nothing to stem the rising tide of community outrage over the ongoing destruction of Tasmania's remaining wild places," said Huon Valley Environment Centre spokesperson Warrick Jordan.

"Gunns Limited's destructive business model is tearing the heart out of the last remaining areas of ancient forest in Southern Tasmania. Iconic valleys such as the Weld and Upper Florentine are being destroyed as we speak in order to line the pockets of Gunns Limited" said Warrick Jordan.

Jenny Weber"
www.huon.org
--

*Media release* *Wednesday Jan 7, 2009.*

*Gunns Ltd sues again.*

Tasmanian based logging company Gunns Ltd has issued a law suit on thirteen forest defenders claiming damages for trespass, and seeking an injunction that will prevent the defendants from entering its property and land holdings.

The forest campaigners halted work at the Triabunna woodchip mill in an act of civil disobedience to draw attention to the impact of old growth logging on climate change.

“Civil disobedience is a vital part of democracy. This heavy handed tactic from Gunns is tantamount to corporate bullying. Gunns Ltd is pushing ahead with its unacceptable and irresponsible activities in Tasmania, endangering the health of the state’s environment and its economic future” Said Greenpeace Campaign Coordinator John Hepburn.

The proposed Gunns Ltd Pulp Mill and recent announcements that construction may begin in 2009 will ensure that Tasmanian forest protection will remain a central issue in the lead up to the next federal election.

Louise Morris, Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner and Gunns 20 defendant said
“This lawsuit comes four years after Gunns Ltd issued the now infamous Gunns 20 lawsuit in 2004 against twenty individuals and organisations in response their efforts to protect Tasmania’s native forests. It is clear the desire to protect Tasmania’s forests has not diminished.

“The use of such harsh legal tactics does nothing to improve the company’s standing in the eyes of socially responsible investors and the wider community. We stand by Tasmanians’ desire to protect their precious native forests” concluded Simon Branigan Environment Tasmania spokesperson.

For media comment contact.

John Hepburn, Greenpeace: 0407231172

Louise Morris, Friends of the Earth: 0408906310



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