The High Court of Australia has rejected an appeal by environmental activist group Blue Derby Wild to halt logging in a forest near Derby in the state’s north-east.
On Tuesday, Chief Justice Stephen Gageler ruled that the group had no special interest in the case beyond general concerns about logging.
Sustainable Timber Tasmania have welcomed the decision after a four-year delay due to legal challenges and plans to commence logging as soon as possible.
Blue Derby Wild Campaign Coordinator Louise Morris expressed disappointment at the ruling, saying that it restricts the ability of community groups to defend natural places.
“The ramifications of this decision go well beyond the forests of north east Tasmania and the forests of Krushka’s that are now listed for logging and burning any day now,” she said.
“It also impacts those working to protect the Tarkine, Southern forests, Eastern Tiers and the habitat of countless endangered species threatened by logging.”
Despite the “setback”, the group maintains that it will continue its longstanding campaign to end native forest logging.
Resources Minister Eric Abetz praised the High Court decision, saying it was welcome news for the forestry industry that supports the livelihoods of over 5,000 Tasmanians.
“The decision provides further confidence that Tasmania’s forest practices system is well-managed, robust and best practice,” he said.
“It also further underlines the extreme extent that green groups are prepared to go in their efforts to end sustainable native forestry, at great expense to the taxpayer.”
