Plantation poisons forgotten in the fray

MERCURY readers calling for a complete end to native forest harvesting and, therefore, exclusive reliance on plantations for timber and fibre need to think more carefully.

The recent Tasmanian history of broadacre eucalypt plantations is one of environmental destruction, natural resource waste, and socially and economically damaging failures. The negative health consequences of plantations that use dangerous chemicals which enter water courses and send spray drift across rural communities are not mentioned by those seeking this solution.

The clearfelling of biodiverse native forests for monoculture plantations and establishment of single species “tree crops” on farms that should produce food must be condemned. Foreign ownership of plantations and exports of unprocessed logs is intolerable in an economy that desperately needs long term, quality, well paying jobs that support our families and communities.

Yes, we must stop clearfelling native forests but we need mature, nuanced discussion about how to use native timbers sensibly and sustainably, without damaging other industries. We need to consider what an appropriate plantation industry would look like. Frank Nicklason

North Hobart