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Tasmania's timber dependent families welcome the WHC's report prepared following its Reactive Monitoring Mission Tasmanian visit 15 to 20 March, 2008.

TCA members meet with the WHC mission during its March 2008 visit as did other stake holders.

Upon reviewing the Missions just released report it is very clear that the Mission has vindicated that the correct balance between reserving conservation values and productive forest management has been achieved and that forestry is not causing any detrimental impact upon the WHA.

Page 5: The balance between forests assigned to reserves/conservation and for production was struck through the Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) process in 1997, supplemented through the 2005 Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement (TCFA).

Recommendation 7: The area managed under the TWWHA management plan provides a good representation of well-managed tall Eucalyptus forest and there is similar forest outside the property which is also well-managed, but for both conservation and development objectives. The threats to these forests from production forestry activities are well managed and there no need for the boundary of the property to be changed to deal with such threats.

"These findings are very much welcomed by TCA with the Mission providing a very big pat on the back for our states dedicated forest planners and managers. This report also highlights the world class achievements Tasmania has made in the name of conservation." Barry Chipman Timber Communities Australia Tasmanian State Manager said today.

The report presents a very big rejection of past anti forestry activist claims, perhaps the real reason for their weekend dismissive attack on the Missions report is more about their displeasure that the IUCN's vice president of past 2 years, Senator Christine Milne failed to bully the WHC into blindly accepting activist claims.

"This report is a reassurance for all, with the WHC Mission determining that Tasmania has achieved the correct balance between conservation and productive management". Mr Chipman concluded. 

ENDS