Environmentalists return to Tarkine tree tops despite recent arrest

Despite a dramatic arrest last week, conservationists have returned to the Tarkine in protest of proposed logging operations.

PROTESTERS have returned to the Tarkine forest after a young Hobart environmentalist was brought down from the tree tops and charged by police on Friday.

The Bob Brown Foundation this morning said the protest in the Sumac forests would continue and conservationists would also picket State Government offices today.

Police arrived at the protest camp, near Arthur River, on Friday morning.

Two search and rescue officers climbed a tree and arrested 21-year-old Josh Nichols — one of several protesters on site trying to stop Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s logging operations.

Hobart student Josh Nichols allegedly refused a direction to leave his tree platform. Picture: SUPPLIED

He was taken to Smithton Police Station, where he was charged with one count of trespass and bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on December 2.

The foundation said two conservationists climbed into treesits again last night.

And in Hobart this morning, community members will protest outside the state government’s executive building and Premier Will Hodgman’s office in Hobart.

There will also be a demonstration outside Resources Minister Guy Barnett’s office in Deloraine this afternoon.

“There is community outrage about the imminent logging of the Sumac forests in takayna/Tarkine and our foundation is rolling out nonviolent opposition to this looming destruction of an intact, globally significant forest,” foundation campaign manager Jenny Weber said.

“Forestry Tasmania has told us they evicted our blockade protecting the forests so they can do more planning in preparation for logging. They don’t need to do the planning, they need to abandon plans to flatten these rare and ancient forests.”

Police at the base of the Eucalyptus tree. Picture: SUPPLIED

Tasmania Police said because STT had returned to undertake operations associated with logging the Sumac Spur 1d area was closed to everyone but company personnel.

“Tasmania Police appreciates that people have the democratic right to protest, however police have a duty to take action when a protest or demonstration stops others from conducting their lawful business We will be actively monitoring the situation,” Acting Inspector Tony Stewart said.