Following further news that logging contractors are at crisis point, with many set to leave the industry, Environment groups have backed the push for logging contractors to get a fair deal out of logging contracts, and have also urged that contractors should have the opportunity to exit the industry with dignity. 

“Environment Tasmania supports forest contractors as they endeavour to achieve equity when dealing with Forest Company Gunn’s and Forestry Tasmania” said Dr Phill Pullinger Director of Environment Tasmania

“It is unacceptable that the legislation relating to contracts has not already been amended to ensure equity and that contractors deserve a fair go - this has been an ongoing problem for the industry for many years.”

Dr Pullinger said “However, contractors should be under no illusions that amending the legislation will fix the inherent economic problems within the timber industry. Employment within the industry has continued to decline and current practises are clearly unsustainable.  The State Government has controlled the timber industry for so long that it is critical that the Government supports contractors who want to exit the industry with dignity”

“Clearly the industry is in need of urgent reform and the time has come to find a solution to the forestry debate,” Dr Pullinger said

Environment Tasmania is Tasmania’s conservation council, a peak body that represents 26 Tasmanian environment groups, with collective representation of over 6000 Tasmanians.