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PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO NATIVE FOREST LOGGING

For immediate release to all media ­ 24/4/2009

The Public Inquiry into Native Forest Logging issued its first Interim Report today, 21st April, 2009. Established in March 2008, the Inquiry is investigating all aspects of native forest logging operations and practices in Australia.

The Inquiry has made the following Interim Recommendations:-

1.     That all Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) be terminated.

2.     That no forestry operation should be exempt under the Commonwealth        Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999).

3.     That the native forest timber industry be immediately transitioned to the existing plantation estate.

4.     That there be immediate protection and remediation of water catchment areas.

5.     That there be immediate remediation of threatened species habitat.

The Director of the Inquiry, Dr Woodrow Rhygenstadtz, said today that the Inquiry was very pleased with the many responses it has had from the general public and the input from industry bodies.

“We have found that there are real concerns with the RFA legislation and processes,” Dr  Rhygenstadtz  said.  “Substantial environmental and economic outcomes have not been met by the logging industry.  There are numerous mandatory reviews of the legislation which have been ignored by regulatory bodies and are many years overdue.”

The Inquiry finds that the native forest logging industry in Australia is not economically or ecologically sustainable.  Australia’s valuable native flora and fauna assets are being damaged and degraded by logging. The role of native forests as water and carbon storage sinks is being ignored by the relevant authorities.

The Inquiry recommends an end to native forest logging in Australia and an immediate transition into the current native plantation estate.

Copies of the Inquiry’s Interim Report can be accessed at their website, www.native-forest-logging-inquiry.info

End of Media Release

Email: enquiries@native-forest-logging-inquiry.info