Bob Brown Foundation has renewed calls for an end to native forest logging and abolition of Forestry Tasmania.

“Forestry Tasmania’s latest annual report has shown an alarming increase in native forest woodchipping, shocking ongoing rainforest logging and continuing greenhouse gas emissions from incinerating thousands of hectares and unsurprisingly another fudging of the figures to hide a taxpayer loss. Native forest logging needs to cease, the agency needs to abolished and their people moved into a department that protects native forests for carbon storage, restoration and ceases being a drain on the taxpayer,” said Bob Brown Foundation Campaign Manager Jenny Weber

“Logging Minister Guy Barnett must be honest with the people of Tasmania in relation to the real financial state of Forestry Tasmania after our analysis shows that the Government Business Enterprise’ reported $3.9m profit turns out to be a $17m loss. The volume of native forests woodchips rose 20%, while total sales of native forest product fell by $51million,” Bob Brown Foundation takayna/Tarkine campaigner Scott Jordan.

“Only Minister Barnett could funnel $14.5million in, get $3.9million back and call it a profit. This is a loss any day of the week and Tasmania’s hospitals, schools, and services are the worse for it”, said Scott Jordan.

“Native forest logging in Tasmania, including logging of rainforests and carbon rich tall eucalypt forests, only exists because the Tasmanian Government is underwriting massive ongoing losses through grants to its own business. Accumulated losses on Forestry Tasmania’s books sit at $207million, with unfunded superannuation liabilities running at $35million”, Scott Jordan said.

“At a time of climate crisis when we need to be drawing down emissions in this critical decade, again the Tasmanian Government logging agency has executed almost 5000ha of post logging incineration burns sending greenhouse gas emissions directly into the atmosphere. Forestry Tasmania has 711,000 hectares of forest that need to be immediately placed in secure conservation reserves for their carbon stores and wildlife benefits”, Jenny Weber said.

“Native forest logging is a dying and damaging industry. Sales are down, volumes of sawlog and peeler logs are down, and community support has gone. It is long past time to reinvest taxpayer funds out of native forest logging grants and into jobs-rich forest restoration, and real protection of our ancient carbon stores” said Bob Brown Foundation takayna/Tarkine campaigner Scott Jordan.

Despite the government voting down moves by the Greens to remove the flawed minimum sawlog quota on Wednesday, Forestry Tasmania’s Annual Report proves again that they failed to meet legislated minimum sawlog quota in 2020/2021 (by 15%), due to a lack of demand for controversial native forest product.

Police have arrived at a protest as Tasmanian Forest Defenders halt logging in a Styx Valley ancient Regnans forest as part of a National Forest Week of Action calling for an end to native forest logging.

Bob Brown Foundation has returned to Tasmania’s native forests frontline with a commitment to defend critical carbon-storehouses while the government contributes to the global climate and extinction crises by continuing to relentlessly log native forests.

“Saving forests is climate action and now is the time to end all native forest logging across Australia. Forests are worth more standing, but this ancient forest is due for a cable logger to arrive and demolish the ancient carbon sink. Premier Gutwein and Prime Minister Morrison are removing critical tools to mitigating the looming climate emergency - our native forests,” Jenny Weber said.

“Protecting and restoring Australia’s native forests, while keeping fossil fuels in the ground is urgently necessary to avoid catastrophic climate breakdown,” Jenny Weber said.

Billie Raffety, a 19 year old musician and student from Hobart, has locked down one of the logging machines. “I was lucky enough to grow up in nature, to breathe clean air and feel safe in my own home. I am now learning that the air I breathe is becoming dirty, and my home is no longer safe” said Ms Raffety.

“The Morrison Government’s failure to take real and necessary climate action dangerously misses the climate test of taking action in this critical decade we are in now. We will not sit silent while these last remaining life rafts of humanity are being wiped off the face of the planet increasing emissions and removing their critical benefits to climate and wildlife,” Jenny Weber said.

“The tallest flowering plants in the world have suffered under a constant battle to survive against the Tasmanian logging industry’s chainsaws. There are today 264 hectares of native forest in proposed and imminently threatened Forestry Tasmania logging areas just in the Styx catchment area,” Jenny Weber said.

Bob Brown Foundation is urging a ban on krill fishing in Antarctica with a demonstration outside the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) headquarters today, during its 40th annual meeting.

Krill are the foundation of the Antarctic ecosystem and factory trawlers currently hoover krill out of the Southern Ocean for supposed health supplements, pet food and fish farm feed.

“To have large factory trawlers invade the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean to remove a foundational species for supplements and pet food is an environmental crime,” said Bob Brown Foundation’s Antarctic Campaigner Alistair Allan.

“CCAMLR is designed for the conservation of the Southern Ocean and the animals that live there. Krill are the main source of food for whales and penguins, but they support the entire ecosystem.”

“We should not be pillaging a keystone species and CCAMLR’s role is to ensure this does not happen.”

“With global warming set to reduce krill hatch rates anywhere from 30 to 50 per cent due to loss of sea ice by 2100, krill needs total protection.”

“Any amount of krill caught and removed is too much, especially for products for which we have alternatives. In the areas where krill fishing is concentrated, it is already having a detrimental effect on penguin populations. The list of threats that the Southern Ocean and its wildlife face is large, but a simple and easy step is to end krill fishing in Antarctica.”

23 October 2021

This weekend, Bob Brown Foundation is hosting campers in the threatened forests of takayna’s Pieman River for the global Big Canopy Campout.

The international event will see 197 campouts in 36 countries, with the campout in takayna’s Gondwanan forests closing the event, the biggest forest campout in history.

21 October 2021

Bob Brown Foundation protesters held peaceful protests outside Premier Gutwein’s Launceston Office today, with a huge banner drop in threatened forest at Western Creek in northern Tasmania, as part of the International Day of Action on Big Biomass

Biomass from native forests is being touted as a new, innovative, 'renewable' energy that will decrease carbon emissions.

Bob Brown Foundation today has called again for a halt to plans to build a giant concrete airport in Antarctica, now we have the RSV NUYINA.

With the arrival of Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker, RSV NUYINA, the Australian Antarctic Division needs to prioritise science without the environmental damage of a disastrous airport on the ice continent.

“The RSV NUYINA is a state-of-the-art vessel that will positively contribute to Antarctic science,” said Antarctic campaigner Alistair Allan.

“By comparison, pouring 115,000 tonnes of concrete over seal and penguin habitat to build a concrete airport in Antarctica is a terrible idea that does nothing to advance science and everything to degrade the magnificent ice continent.”

“The science community has warmly welcomed the arrival of the RSV NUYINA and so do we, however, it is almost impossible to find an Antarctic scientist that supports the plans to build this enormous airport in the Vestfold hills, East Antarctica, for good reason.”

“If this industrial airport is built, it will cause irreversible harm to the unique ecology of Antarctica. It will set a dangerous precedent for future destructive developments in Antarctica, and it will cost billions of dollars of public money.”

“Judging by the excitement and buzz around the arrival of the RSV NUYINA, it is clear Tasmanians care about Antarctica. With their motto of “valued, protected and understood,” it is now up to the Australian Antarctic Division to stand by their words and meet the expectations of all Australians to protect Antarctica, not destroy the homes of penguins and seals for an airport that we don’t need.”

Bob Brown Foundation calls on Tasmania’s Premier to commit to ending native forest logging and deforestation for mining and renewable energy projects, cut emissions across all polluting sectors, and introduce companion legislation for zero impact on wildlife, including birdlife, in this age of extinction crisis.

“It’s time for Premier Gutwein to list all the polluting sectors, detail their current emissions profile, and then tell us how their emissions will be cut. For example, the government must reveal the tonnage of greenhouse gases released for each hectare of Tasmanian native forests incinerated each year in forest ‘regeneration’ burns, the amount of methane released from the continued damming of rivers, and the emissions from the Atlantic salmon farming industry,” Bob Brown Foundation’s Jenny Weber said.

“Our Foundation will be the watchdog over the Gutwein government as it continues to pump greenhouse gases into the atmosphere from logging and incinerating native forests and other polluting industries,” Bob Brown said.

“Tasmania doesn’t need to wait to legislate for net zero in 2030 since we’re there now. We can aim for actual zero and start by protecting all native forests from logging and clearing since they’ve demonstrated what a heroic job they can do when left alone. Tasmania has some of the biggest carbon storehouses in the world, in the giant eucalyptus forests, if left standing for their climate, water, and wildlife benefits,” Former Tasmanian Greens leader Peg Putt said. Peg Putt is currently the coordinator of the international Forests, Climate, and Biomass Energy working group of the Environmental Paper Network.

“We have 365 000 hectares of promised reserve forests now available for logging, and their climate benefits will be lost into the atmosphere as soon as the Government starts logging them. Taking true action on climate includes placing the 365 000 hectares of forests into protected status immediately, ending all native forest logging and burning to stop logging emissions and draw down carbon as they continue growing. We also need to see a halt to plans for clearing of hundreds of hectares of forests in takayna / Tarkine for mining,” Jenny Weber said.

“Premier Gutwein’s announcement of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 is designed to impress the global community while aligning himself with Tasmania’s major polluters. If you separate the protected forests, you will find that Premier Gutwein has ignored the challenge to reduce emissions on major polluting sectors of transport, mining, agriculture, ongoing logging, and the deforestation associated with massive transmission infrastructure for the proposed Marinus Link, the MMG tailings dam and Venture’s Mt Lindsay mine in takayna / Tarkine,” said Christine Milne.

“Premier Gutwein should note the post-2020 biodiversity framework currently under discussion at COP15 in China which makes clear that any renewable energy solution that destroys biodiversity is not a climate solution. Tasmania’s case in point is Robbins Island wind farm and associated infrastructure for the transmission line. Marinus Link involves deforestation across northwest and northern Tasmania for new high voltage transmission lines,” Christine Milne said.

“The climate and biodiversity crises are inextricably linked. Any commitment by Premier Gutwein to lead the world on climate action needs to include protecting the biodiverse native forests that are also amongst the most carbon dense on the planet. Prevent the ongoing loss of wildlife and ecological breakdown that contributes to the global extinction crisis,” Jenny Weber said.

“Tasmania’s government needs to get to grips with the fact we achieved net-zero greenhouse gas emissions when Gunns collapsed and logging decreased. However native forest logging has not ceased and native forests are the heroes here – if they are left standing. Ending logging and incinerating native forests will achieve a huge drop in emissions. Premier Gutwein is backing the big polluters and loggers while riding on the coat-tails of the people who have protected forests,” Jenny Weber said.

“Tasmania can be a genuine zero-emissions economy, where our renewable energy is used here to produce a wealth of jobs and products on our island, instead of settling for being a battery for the Australian mainland. We must have sensible renewable energy developments, in appropriate locations, which don’t trash cultural and environmental values. We must end native forest logging and incineration and enforce emissions cuts by all the big polluters. We must have companion legislation for zero impact on wildlife, including birdlife, in this age of extinction crisis,” Jenny Weber said.

The Tasmanian Liberals have used their numbers in the parliament to prevent debate on a motion of no confidence in Resources Minister Guy Barnett over his illegal grant of a mine lease to Chinese state-owned MMG in takayna / Tarkine. Leave to move the no confidence motion was sought by Greens Leader Cassy O'Connor MP and was supported by Labor.

"What a travesty that in a climate and biodiversity crisis, the Liberal Government uses its numbers in parliament to protect a failed minister, rather than the Tasmanian Devils, Spotted-tailed Quolls, Masked Owls and Wedge-tailed Eagles that his illegal mine lease put at risk," said Bob Brown Foundation takayna / Tarkine Campaigner Scott Jordan.

"It seems the only protected species that this government cares about is Guy Barnett."

"In a week where the government is expected to bring forward legislation to gaol protestors, it is telling that they don't think the rules should apply to ministers of the Crown who illegally abuse statutory powers."

"Cronyism and silencing of dissent are the hallmarks of despotic regimes and have no place in Tasmania."

Bob Brown Foundation is expanding its leading environmental advocacy from the ecosystems on land to the Tasmanian oceans and coasts as we embark on a dedicated campaign to rescue the public commons from industrial salmon. Tasmania’s marine environment is suffering from devastating impacts from industrial salmon and needs protection and restoration.

“Our Foundation will be taking action to protect Tasmania’s oceans, coastlines, and riverine ecosystems. We will have a Seal Hotline, for people to report on Big Salmon and their devastating impacts on wildlife and the environment. We will be in the markets, on the streets, and out on the ocean rescuing the public commons off the corporations,” Bec Howarth, Bob Brown Foundation’s Fish Farm, and Marine Campaigner said.

Bec Howarth, ecologist, Tasman Peninsula local, and mother has joined Bob Brown Foundation as the Fish Farm and Marine Campaigner. A Country Women’s Association branch president, volunteer firefighter, and long-time volunteer in her local community suffering from industrial salmon expansions. Bec is dedicated to advocating for places like Storm Bay, “Over 900 hectares of approved leases are allocated for fish farming already in Storm Bay. Expansion in Storm Bay will place industrial polluting feedlots next to the much-loved Iron Pot lighthouse, the gateway to Hobart, spreading to Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula, less than 12km from globally famous Shipstern’s Bluff. These are our favourite surfing, fishing and sailing spots, and they’re Tasmania’s public waters,” Bec Howarth said.

“The ocean covers 71% of planet Earth and plays a crucial role in sustaining all life. However, overfishing, pollution, and climate emergency are placing ocean ecosystems under extreme stress. In the current climate and biodiversity crises the health of oceans are critical for mitigating catastrophic impacts,” Bec Howarth said.

“Here in Tasmania, the floating feedlots operated by the Salmon barons have contaminated world heritage ecosystems like Macquarie Harbour, treasured local waterways in the Huon and D’Entrecasteaux. The pending destruction of Storm Bay and Tasmania’s north -west are next on their agenda. Our environment and local communities have suffered from immeasurable marine debris in our waters and along our beaches, algal blooms, rubbish, and seal abuse,” Bec Howarth said.

“We want outcomes that deliver protection for the marine environment including halting the mega expansion, reverse the greed driven invasion of public commons with polluting factory feedlots and stop the killing of marine wildlife” Bec Howarth said.

“We are here to rescue the oceans, rivers, and coastline from the Salmon barons. We know that Tasmanians care deeply for their island, wild oceans and coast, and its wildlife. Generations of Tasmania treasure the wonder and beauty of Tasmania’s environment and people move here for it. Wealth comes from a healthy environment without dead zones, fecal pollution from factory farms with dubious certification and non-existent regulations,” Bec Howarth said.

“Tasmania’s wild nature currently being plundered by industrial salmon supports unique marine life found nowhere else in the world and this is worth fighting for. We want the Tasmanian community to know, we’ve got your back. We will be advocating for the protection of oceans, coastlines, riverine ecosystems, and wildlife that are suffering under the industrial salmon regime,” Bec Howarth said.

“Bob Brown Foundation brings with it a feisty, vigilant, and action-oriented reputation and we are here to rescue Tasmania’s waters from the toxic salmon crisis. I am really looking forward to continuing to work with the Tasmanian community and I want to encourage everyone to redouble their efforts in protecting our precious coasts,” Bec Howarth said.

Bob Brown Foundation says Tasmanian logging company Forico is on a winner with its valuation of its estate at $8.6 billion if it keeps it growing rather than logged.

“This backs what I put to Premier Guwein recently: that, in this age of climate and extinction emergency, the island’s native forests are most valuable left growing, not logged,” Bob Brown said.

“But the idea of putting a dollar value on all of nature is daft. For example, what is the price of a Superb Fairy Wren, Golden Possum or Black Swan pair with cygnets?"