Bob Brown Foundation protesters vow to fight on in Tarkine

More protesters have been arrested at Que River as they climbed onto machinery in the Tarkine forest.

Six Tarkine protesters have now been charged as protest action continues. Picture: SUPPLIED

SIX people have now been charged over a continuing protest in the Tarkine.

Bob Brown Foundation protesters moved into the Que River area last month to establish a tree-sit, ahead of a special species harvesting operation which has begun this week.

Police first moved on the site on Monday to make way for forestry workers, and returned on Tuesday to make more arrests as protesters climbed onto machinery.

Bob Brown Foundation campaign manager Jenny Weber said ancient forests were being ”trashed”.

“Sadly, ancient rainforests are now being logged in the Que River area after two days of defiant protests and delay. But our protests will continue to defend these forests, as Tarkine defenders stand up and say no to this logging,” Ms Weber said.

Resources Minister Guy Barnett said the protest was “very disappointing”.

”People have the right to go to work safely without the threat of disruption. The protest action is taking place on land set aside for permanent timber production by the Tasmanian Parliament, which was agreed to by Labor and the Greens. It is not old growth forest as the Greens claim, but approximately 60 trees that will be harvested from an area of regrowth forest,” Mr Barnett said.

In a statement Tasmania Police said a 44-year-old woman from Tinderbox, a 20-year-old woman from NSW and a 22-year-old woman from Victoria were charged with trespass and obstructing a police officer.

They were bailed and are due to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on March 10.