A new bill proposed in Tasmania would allow 356,000 hetacres of forest to be made available to the logging industry - destroying critical ecosystems and habitats of unique and endangered species. "The legislation spells doom for a large number of rare species, including the Tasmanian devil, wedge-tailed eagle, and swift parrot," conservationist and former Greens leader Bob Brown told the Guardian.
A large portion of the forest that would lose protection lies within the Tarkine region - an incredible landscape that contains Australia's largest temperate rain forest. The Tarkine is home to animals such as the platypus and wombat, as well as more than 100 species of birds, such as the rare and threatened Orange-bellied Parrot. Animals such as these would likely perish if the proposed legislation is enacted.
The government of Tasmania is placing greater value upon industry profits than on the long-term welfare of its environment and wildlife - and we must send a message to Tasmania's representatives that this philosophy is unacceptable. The plan to destroy Tasmania's forests is so shortsighted that even representatives of the Forest Industry of Tasmania have spoken out against it.
The Forestry Bill 2017 has already passed the lower house of the Tasmanian parliament. If the upper house passes the bill, forests will be available for logging in July of 2018. Please sign this petition urging the upper house of the Tasmanian parliament as well as Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg to protect Tasmania's forests and its rare and endangered wildlife.
Dear Honorable Minister Frydenberg and Honorable Members of the Tasmanian Parliament,
We are deeply concerned and outraged that the Tasmanian government may allow 365,000 hetacres of forest to be made available to the logging industry. This plan would destroy critical ecosystems and habitats of unique and endangered species.
Conservationist and former Greens leader Bob Brown stated, "The legislation spells doom for a large number of rare species, including the Tasmanian devil, wedge-tailed eagle, and swift parrot."
A large portion of the forest that would lose protection lies within the Tarkine region – an incredible landscape that contains Australia's largest temperate rainforest. The Tarkine is home to animals such as the platypus and wombat, as well as more than 100 species of birds, such as the rare and threatened Orange-bellied parrot.
We find it unacceptable that the government of Tasmania is placing greater value upon industry profits then on the long-term welfare of its environment and wildlife. The plan to destroy Tasmania's forests is so shortsighted that even representatives of the Forest Industry of Tasmania have spoken out against it.
We urge you to please use the power of your office to protect Tasmania's forests and its rare and endangered wildlife by rejecting the Forestry (Unlocking Production Forests) Bill 2017.
Thank you for your consideration.
[your comments]
Sincerely,
[your name]
