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Category: Timber / Forests / Forestry / States and Territories

Ta Ann sticks by old forestry peace deal

Tuesday, 1 Nov 2016 04:55:00

Ta Ann says it only processes logs that come from uncontested forests. (ABC News: Emily Bryan)

One of Tasmania's largest timber processors, Ta Ann Tasmania, is moving to reassure customers that it will continue to source wood from areas agreed to under the former forest peace deal, despite plans to open more land forests for logging.

The State Government is planning a revamp of state-owned business Forestry Tasmania which has reported a $67 million loss.

Earlier this month, the Government announced plans to make available about 400,000 hectares of land, two years earlier than legislation allows.

Resources Minister Guy Barnett insists it is crucial to ensuring Forestry Tasmania's future.

On Monday, past and present Greens leaders responded to the plan, fronting the media to issue a call to arms.

The founders of Tasmania's conservation movement, including Bob Brown and Christine Milne, came out of retirement to warn the State Government against reigniting the forest wars.

The environmental stalwarts appear to be on the same page as one long-time timber executive and warrior on the other side.

Executive director of Ta Ann Tasmania Evan Rolley said he wanted nothing to do with the plan.

Mr Rolley said national and international customers wanted to be assured the products were sustainably sourced.

"We reached an agreement with both Forestry Tasmania and with the Federal Government to only be supplied with logs from state forests that were set aside under the Tasmanian Forest Agreement (TFA)," he said.

"So that's a contractual position and we'll only process logs that come from those forests.

"The customers look for uncontested wood supply, supply that comes from accredited forests that are accredited under independent certification."

The forest industry's peak body also has concerns about the Government's plans.

Senior minister Michael Ferguson insists there is backing for the plan.

"Industry does support this and importantly however there needs to be a lot more dialogue and Minister Barnett has committed to doing that," he said.

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