Greg L’Estrange Gunns CEO said at a conference that, “Native forest is not part of our future. We see that the conflict largely has to end. The vast support of the Australian population is with the environmental non-government organisations.

“This commands us to work with them to create a future without conflict, which moves them from being in opposition to our products and processes to being supportive.”

Commenting on the transition to plantations L’Estrange says, “Move we must, for the conflict must end. Too many people have been financially and emotionally injured in the Australian forest wars. Without a resolution it will also continue to harm the broader industry’s reputation in the global market.”

In a statement the Wilderness Society says the back-down by Gunns comes at a crucial time for Australia’s native forests, with the recent court-win against the logging of old-growth forests in Victoria only adding to the Australia-wide pressure for protection of Australia’s natural heritage.

The Society adds, “This represents a huge step forward and forecasts a welcome change in direction in the long running conflict over forestry, and will set a new precedent for the forest industry in Australia.

“We want to thank all our members and supporters who have helped keep the pressure for change on Gunns over the years.”

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter