The principles set out a framework to reach an agreement that would eventually end native forest logging in Tasmania and transition to a plantation-based industry.

Greg L’Estrange, chief executive of Gunns said the agreement was a momentous step and was aligned with Gunns’ existing strategy of moving towards becoming a fully plantation-based company.

He says, “These principles will lead to certainty for the environment and certainty for continued jobs, with the acknowledgment that the construction of a pulp mill and the jobs it will create is critical to the transition to a plantation-based industry.”

Meanwhile, a statement from the Wilderness Society outlines after five months of good-faith discussions, a way forward is here.

“The Statement of Principles agreed between conservation groups, timber communities, forest unions and the industry gives Tasmania an opportunity to create a sustainable timber industry, protect its remaining native forests and resolve the conflict over logging.”

The Wilderness Society also outlines that the benefits for the new agreement include:

• A moratorium to end logging in the most precious forests within three months

• World class forests like the Tarkine Rainforest, Great Western Tiers, Styx, Blue Tier and the Upper Florentine Valley will be formally protected

• Detailed planning and consultation for the timber industry to transition out of native forests will occur over the next 12 months – protecting and developing timber jobs that are sustainable

• Tasmania’s image as a clean, green state will be preserved, in a major boost for tourism

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