save the Blue Tier
press release 19 april, 2004
Dozer Blockaded On Blue Tier Road
Clear Breach Of Forest Practices Code Must Be Investigated
ALL MEDIA INVITED TO WITNESS CLEAR BREACH!
Friends of the Blue Tier are blockading a bulldozer on the Lottah Road this morning to highlight the clear breach of the Forest Practices Code that exists on the Lottah Road, namely a hastily repaired section that is barely 3.4 metres wide, a clear contradiction of the minimum width of a minor cartage route which is 3.7m under the FPC.
Friends of the Blue Tier spokesperson Lesley Nicklason who is present at the entrance to the Lottah Rd on the Tasman Highway said it was adding insult to injury to have the Forest Practices Code flaunted so openly and is requesting a member of the Forest Practices Board attend immediately to investigate the breach.
'We are here this morning to highlight the fact that it would appear that contractors, Forestry Tasmania and the government are all acknowledging that the Forest Practices Code is not worth the paper it is written on.
If this is not the case then we would like a member of the Forest Practices Board to come up here and explain how this illegal act can occur.
On March 18 we wrote to the Chief Forest Practices Officer, Mr Graeme Wilkinson alerting him to the breach and requesting a formal investigation. He has in no way responded to that specific request and we feel a line must be drawn in the sand up here.
If they are determined to destroy this water catchment with private security guards patrolling public roads 24 hours a day then we are making sure that they adhere to the letter of the Forest Practices Code.
At this moment there is a clear breach and we will not be moving until a member of the Forest Practices Board explains why the Code can be ignored and the community put in danger.'
For further information contact Lesley Nicklason 6373 6195 or 0400 557 418