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Mrs Barker yesterday offered short-term work to some of his employees, and Mr Walkden said other contractors had made similar offers. It could be up to six weeks before his men were all working for him again, he said. The industry is passing around the hat to raise the $10,000 reward Mr Walkden has posted for information about this week's fire and vandalism in the Styx Valley before Christmas.
Mrs Barker said the forestry industry was like a big family and she did not believe the threat of attack had passed. "We are out there in controversial areas in a controversial industry and some people just don't understand," she said. "I reckon there will be more attacks. And I don't think we have seen the worst."
The chief executive of the Tasmanian Logging Association, Wayne Foes, said the support being offered gave the lie to claims by the Tasmanian Greens that the attack against Mr Walkden could have been the work of a fellow contractor or disgruntled employee. Mr Foss challenged Greens MHA Peg Putt to take any evidence that supported her claims to Tasmania Police.
Most in the forest industry are declining to speculate publicly on who may have been behind the fire, which could have destroyed a nearby World Heritage Area. Detectives say a white Toyota utility with yellow and black number plates was seen near the coupe (Wedge 31D) on Thursday morning. It was towing a trailer with two trail bikes on it.
Anyone with information is asked to call Eastern Districts CIB or Crime Stoppers on 1800 005 555.
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