Group calls for Tasmanian rainforest protection

Native rainforests in Tasmania need to be given protection, one wildlife group has urged.

Speaking to Australian news source ABC, anti-pulp mill campaigner and member of the Wilderness Association Paul Oosting said that many of the state's native forests, including rainforests and old growth areas, should be given "immediate protection".

His comments follow calls from many environmental groups for timber logging firm Gunns to change the way in which it operates in Tasmania.
Mr Oosting said the company needs to make "fundamental changes" in the way it works.

According to the source, Gunns has "made millions selling woodchips to Japan" and currently will not say either way whether in the future, it plans to stop cutting down parts of Tasmania's endangered old growth forests.

However, it is noted that Gunns has expressed interest in being certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which would see it prevented from working in forest conservation areas.

Deforestation by logging operations is one of the biggest causes of rainforest clearing and despite many countries creating sanctions, much large-scale illegal logging activity still takes place.

Written by Sandra Mann.

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