The group reported that the forest crisis is worsening across the nation. More recent threats to our ever-diminishing forests and woodlands include:
The Global Free Trade in Logging Agreement to be discussed at the coming World Trade Organisation meeting in late November. Government and industry moves to burn native forests for power generation and charcoal production. Planned Federal logging legislation to enshrine the widely discredited RFAs. The massive and increasing taxpayer funded subsidies, which support the native forest logging and woodchip industries.
In recognising these threats the NFS agreed to undertake urgent action to counteract them.
The Australian forest conservation movement categorically rejects the use of native forests for use in power generation. They urge the Federal Labor Party to uphold and strengthen their amendments to the controversial RFA bill, and are calling for a national inquiry into the massive corporate welfare granted to the logging industry.
As part of the ongoing Boycott Woodchipping Campaign, Hancock, Gunns, Boise Cascade and Marbut Gunnerson have been added to the list of companies that are having products and investors targeted.
"The forest crisis in Australia is escalating, and in fact, Queensland's rate of forest clearing is greater than that of the Amazon at its height," said spokesperson for the summit, Jill Redwood.
"The fraudulent Forest 'Agreements' will not placate the public or convince investors that the forest conflict is resolved." said Environment Victoria's forest campaigner, Dr Rod Anderson. "As forest exploitation intensifies, so too does public outrage and action."
For comment:
Dr Rod Anderson (03) 9348 9044
Jill Redwood (03) 5154 0145