Pushing into the Upper Florentine continues

Police are continuing to dismantle the elaborate system of tree sits and road blocks today. The arrival of logging machinery is now imminent, however logging is yet to commence.

 

Support in numbers is expected throughout the day as the community rallies to support the blockade. A peaceful rally is planned for today in solidarity with people still occupying the ancient trees.

 

The two conservationists held on remand last night are expected to be released at 9am this morning in Hobart. "They are peaceful conservationists who are concerned about how we as a state are contributing to the decaying state of the planet. In the future these people may be regarded as heroes, history will be the judge," said spokesperson Ed Hill.

 

"The peaceful protesters in the Upper Florentine care about Tasmania's environment and community and contribute to it in so many ways, yet the Tasmanian Police insist on treating them like hardened criminals by enforcing over the top remand conditions," said Mr Hill. 

 

“We once again reiterate our calls to meet with Premier Bartlett and key industry stakeholders to come to a solution to this decade’s long dispute. Premier Bartlett needs to understand that he leaves us no option but civil disobedience if he continues refusing to engage with forest campaigners,” concluded Mr Hill.

 

Protest activity is expected to escalate throughout the week.