The Age (letter) 10/6/97
Predictably the Wilderness Society, Friends of the Earth and Jill Redwood (5/6) have used World Environment Day to criticise timber production in East Gippsland.
The Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) for East Gippsland is the latest of a long series of studies and decisions on appropriate and responsible forest use. It was signed by the Prime Minister and the Victorian Premier last February, after years of extensive study. This agreement provides the support of both governments for an approach which establishes a world-class system of reserves, ensures that management is carried out in an ecologically sustainable manner, and provides the necessary security for an internationally competitive forest industry.
The East Gippsland RFA meets all nationally agreed criteria for the
reservation of wilderness, oldgrowth forest and biodiversity and demonstrates
that our forests are properly and sustainably managed in the Interests
of all.