Eco-defence
Eco-defence
is a major issue in Victoria with logging of old growth forests continuing
in the Otways and East Gippsland, and freeway extensions planned through
wetland areas. It is the direct action of so called radical fringe groups
who are occupying the forests that have given political power to conservation
groups and kept the fight for native forests alive and kicking.
Blockading
was born in the forest, using techniques such as tri-pods, lock-ons,
climbing and occupation that are also used in urban blockades. Other
direct action methods were created to deal specifically with eco-defence
such as tree spiking, chaining and tree platforms to name a few. There
are many aspects to forest blockades that vary from urban blockades,
particularly because forest blockades occur away from public scrutiny
and are often of a much longer duration than those in the city. However,
we don’t have much information to share on these topics because all
the people who know about forest blockading are IN THE FOREST. Naturally.
The
best way to find out more is to contact forest action groups listed
below, or green websites listed in Tasty Treats.. The most useful thing
we can say for you to get involved in defending our forests is : GO
THERE NOW.
If
you need transport or more information, contact GECO or FoE.
GECO
(Goongerah Environment Centre) for Goolengook and Survey Road blockades
in East Gippsland.
Foe
(Friends of the Earth) for Info on forest actions and transport etc.
OREN
(Otway Ranges Environment Network)
Who’s
logging?
The
fight for the environment doesn’t just take place in the forest, but
also in the public arena, in the offices of those who perpetuating the
destruction, and the outlets that distribute their products. Australian
forests aren’t dying, they’re being killed, and the murderers have names
and addresses.
Here
are some of their names (this information is for the exclusive use of
any action deemed appropriate by your own authority, and to be used
with your discretion):
Amcor
(Reflex, Renew, Copyright, Australian Copy Paper): pulps high quality
forests including Central Highlands, to make paper.
AMP:
has permits to clear old growth bush land and forest for animal grazing.
Boral:
second largest exporter of native forest wood chips in Australia.
Bunnings:
log 400 year old Karri and Jarra forest in W.A. whcih is exported to
Japan for woodchipping.
Carter
Holt Harvey (Sorbent, Petal, Earthcare): use native forest fibre
in their products
Fletcher
Challenge: logging radiata pine plantation sin S.A. using herbicides,
responsible for ground water contamination and toxic spills.
Gunn:
Has just bought North thus making it the largest logging conglomerate
in the world.
Harris-Daishowa:
fully Japanese owned, sources 1 mill. tonnes of woodchips from S.A.
and East Gippsland.
Kimberly-Clark
(Kleenex, Wondersoft, Huggies, Thick Thirsty): make their products from
native forests including the Central Highlands.
Mitsubishi:
on e of the world largest loggers of tropical rainforests.
Mitre
10: logs in the Otways.
North
Ltd.: world’s largest woodchipping limited, main source Tasmania.
Linked with Jabiluka uranium mine. The CEO of North is President of
Greening Australia, Chair of Parks Victoria and President of the board
of the Victorian EPA.,
Wesfarmers:
logs Karri and Jarra and Marri in W.A.
An
excellent info resource, in reference to logging in water catchments,
can be found at
http://www.stolenwater.com