Derby anti-logging petition garners 32K signatures as mayor slams campaign

A petition calling for the cessation of logging activity near a famed northeast Tasmania bike trail network has garnered 32,000 names, but its prompted a fierce rebuke from the trails’ owner.

A petition bearing 32,000 names calling for the cessation of timber harvesting in forests adjoining a famed northeast Tasmania mountain bike trail network has been presented to the Premier.

It comes as Dorset Mayor Greg Howard issued a stunning rebuke to conservationists, saying they did nothing to establish or promote the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails, which are owned and maintained by Dorset Council, and accusing local tourism operators of piggybacking on the campaign in a bid to make a buck.

The petition, presented on Tuesday by green-group Blue Derby Wild to staff of Premier Peter Gutwein at Hobart’s Executive Building, comes in the wake of a new draft plan by Sustainable Timber Tasmania (SST), which would see 930ha adjoining the trails locked away from timber harvesters.

Cr Howard slammed campaigners for their “appalling outlook”.

“People still want to build with hardwood timber, there is a lack of confidence in softwood timber,” he said.

Dr Jennifer Sanger at the Executive Building with a petition organised by Blue Derby Wild of more than 31,900 calling for the protection of Krushka's forests that are scheduled to commence logging this month. Picture: Richard Jupe

“If we don’t harvest sustainably in Tasmania, it will still come from the Amazon, Borneo or Indonesia, places where they rape, pillage and burn (forests).

“All coupes regenerate.

“The only three truly sustainable industries are farming, fishing and forestry.

“But they want to close down a 200-year industry.

“It’s an appalling outlook.

“Timber is the second biggest contributor to Dorset’s economy, behind agriculture, with tourism some way behind in third.

Cr Howard said he would be surprised if half of the petition’s signatures were local and accused the Derby and surrounds tourism operators who spoke out in favour of conservation of doing so to “make a few extra dollars”.

He further argued timber had a “way smaller” carbon footprint than concrete or steel.

Hobart-based ecologist Dr Jen Sanger, who presented the petition this morning, disputed this last point.

Area to be protected under the Derby Concept Plan. Picture: Sustainable Timber Tasmania

“It’s a complete myth – only six per cent of carbon (from trees harvested from native production forests) is locked away long-term,” she said.

This is because of the biomass which is left behind on the forest floor and the native hardwoods which were pulped for woodchips.

“It is removing invaluable carbon sinks,” she said.

Mayor Greg Howard, of Tasmania's Dorset Council. Picture: Supplied

“Trees are the only proven carbon capture technology we have.”

The debate comes as SST plans on commencing harvest of two coupes adjoining the Krushka’s mountain bike trail this month.

An STT spokeswoman said the timber and forestry industry was worth $1.2b per annum to the Tasmanian economy.

She noted STT employed 162 people directly, helped support a further 1000+ jobs across the state, and paid $115m to 673 Tasmanian businesses for goods and services in FY 2020–21.