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The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) had threatened to form a convoy of logging trucks along the Great Ocean Road which would effectively strangle traffic on the popular tourist route.
The CFMEU has been angered by the tactics of anti-logging protesters in the Otway Ranges, loggers saying they are ruining their livelihoods by employing blockades to stop tree cutting. The CFMEU has also alleged local bodies in the area support the anti-logging protesters.
CFMEU national assistant secretary Michael O'Connor said the union wanted to enlist the support of the local tourism industry.
Tourism and industry groups this week agreed to meet with the CFMEU today to stave off the proposed loggers' blockade.
In a joint statement the CFMEU, the Victoria Forest Harvesting and Cartage Council and Geelong-Otway tourism groups released a carefully worded statement. The joint statement said the tourism industry recognised that the timber industry had a right to cut trees from government-approved areas without harassment.
"Likewise the region's tourism industry calls on the timber industry
to refrain from protest action that disrupts the communities of the Otways
and Great Ocean Road engaging in legitimate trade."
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