Logging of karri forests must end to save threatened species

The plight of native forests in south west WA has been highlighted in a visit to the Jamarri Cockatoo Rehabilitation Centre by Greens Senator Janet Rice, along with Senator Scott Ludlam, Senator Rachel Siewert and the WA Forest Alliance.

Senator RICE:  I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) that in April 2015, the Minister for the Environment up‑listed Victoria’s animal emblem, the Leadbeater’s Possum, to critically endangered which is one category level prior to becoming extinct in the wild,

(ii) the ‘Threatened Species Strategy Action Plan 2015‑16—20 mammals by 2020’ released by the Government on 16 July 2015 states that emergency intervention is required for this species, and

Hazelwood must not be fuelled by native forest destruction

The Greens say revelations that Hazelwood power station owners have been secretly considering plans to burn wood from native forests for energy highlights the immense dangers of including native forest biomass in the Renewable Energy Target.  

Native forest exports show need for loss-making circuit breaker

The Greens say reports of VicForests’ plan to export low grade timber from native forests shows the need to break the cycle of propping up the loss-making native forest logging industry.  

Liberals must accept UN’s rejection of Tasmanian World Heritage Area plans

The Greens have welcomed the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s rejection of plans for the Tasmanian World Heritage Area.

“Like the World Heritage Committee, we know that no amount of mining or logging is ever good for our ancient native forests,” said the Australian Greens spokesperson for forests Senator Janet Rice.

The Liberal and Labor parties have ganged up to gut the Renewable Energy Target and allow native forest burning under that target in the Senate tonight.

Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and climate change spokesperson, said the government had also done a deal with the anti-wind crossbenchers to attack the wind industry.

"Ganging up with Labor to slash the Renewable Energy Target and allow it to burn native forests just wasn't enough for Tony Abbott.

Zoos Victoria spot on with letter to VicForests

The Greens have applauded Zoos Victoria’s stand on destructive logging in Victoria’s Central Highlands, backing their position that the best way to ensure the survival of critically endangered species is the creation of the Great Forest National Park.

Old parties pass pitiful, forest-burning Renewable Energy Target through Lower House

The Australian Greens say the Senate is now the last line of defence against a pitiful, forest-burning Renewable Energy Target, after the Abbott Government passed it through the House of Representatives tonight, with Labor’s support.