Forestry fears haunt Bruny

Plan to clear-fell near nature tourism business alarms conservationists

FORESTRY Tasmania says it is yet to make a decision about its plans to clear-fell an area of forest near a celebrated nature tourism business on Bruny Island.

The 28ha logging coupe on South Bruny adjoins Inala Private Reserve, a 200ha bush retreat that attracts nature lovers and bird watchers from around the world.

Forestry Tasmania told Inala’s owner Tonia Cochran in April that it planned to clear-fell the coupe and the work would start in October.

The proposal has alarmed conservationists and visitors from Tasmania and beyond, who say it could destroy the longstanding tourism business that trades on its tranquil surrounds.

Inala is home to all of Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species, including six endangered species, an array of mammals and rare orchids.

Dr Cochran said she was still having discussions with Forestry Tasmania about the proposal.

A Forestry Tasmania spokeswoman said the company had been working with local residents regarding logging plans on South Bruny “for some months as part of its normal operational planning”.

“While we subsequently included a number of measures in our draft plans, we are aware that some concerns remain,’’ the spokeswoman said.

“We are therefore continuing to consider the issues raised and expect to talk with the local landowners again in the near future.

“Forestry Tasmania has not yet made any decision regarding the harvesting of this coupe.”

Greens forestry spokesman Nick McKim has raised the issue in Parliament, calling on the State Government to intervene and direct Forestry Tasmania to abandon its logging plans.

Mr McKim said the coupe not only adjoined the boundary of Inala, but included a hill near the site.

“Logging anywhere in coupe SB016B would compromise the ecological systems that so many people come to Inala to experience,’’ he said.

“It would also by its very nature compromise the peace and serenity of Inala.

“Tourism cannot always coexist with the forest industry, and there are times when a government is going to need to step up and show a bit of leadership to resolve the conflict.”

Resources Minister Paul Harriss said forestry had been part of the Bruny Island community for decades.