Archived press release

Worldwide protest against Tasmanian logging

6 March 2006

London campaigners will join an international day of action (March 6th) to help save the old growth forests of Tasmania and protest against a corporate lawsuit against campaigners in Australia. The case, brought by the logging company GUNNS, resumes in Melbourne on 9th March [1].

Organised by Rainforest Action Network, protests will take place in London, New York, Washington DC, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Tokyo.

The protesters in London will deliver a letter to the High Commissioner. The letter demands that the Australian Government must take immediate action to protect all of Tasmania's old-growth forests and safeguard freedom of speech.

Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson, Norman Baker, will join the protest. He returned from Australia last week after witnessing the destruction of the old growth forests of Tasmania first hand.

Notes

[1] On December 14, 2004, 20 environmental activists, organisations and concerned citizens were issued a 216 page writ by the Tasmanian logging company Gunns Ltd. The woodchipping giant is suing for a combined AU$6.3 million for actions it claims has damaged their business and reputation.

Environmental groups unite against corporate assault on free speech

Background

Tasmania's unique old growth forests have documented World Heritage value and are home to the grand old-growth Eucalypts (the world tallest hardwood trees) and many unique & endangered species, such as the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle.

The logging company GUNNS clear-cuts an average of 20,000 hectares of native forests/per year (about 44 football fields/per day).

This serious problem has become the largest environmental campaign issue in Australia, led by groups such as the Australian Wilderness Society, and over 85% of the public favours full protection for the old-growth forests.

GUNNS has responded to the campaign by suing activists and environmental groups in the infamous "GUNNS 20" case, which has galvanized public attention in Australia and been condemned by many civil liberty legal experts worldwide.

Web sites for further information:
www.gunns20.org
www.mcgunns.com
www.wilderness.org.au

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust