Derby Full Court forestry decision looms
Derby, Tasmania
April 17, 2024
By Rachel Williams
An environmental group opposed to planned forestry operations in Derby will today have its case heard by the Full Court of Tasmania.
Blue Derby Wild will appear in court as we go to print, to lodge an application for a full injunction on logging and burning of the forests adjacent to the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails.
Sustainable Timber Tasmania would not comment on the matter ahead of the court case.
Earlier this year, STT announced plans for a mid-February recommencement of forest harvesting and reforestation in the Permanent Timber Product Zone (coupes CC105A which neighbours the Krushka’s trail and CC119A).
The Tasmanian Government Business Enterprise said at the time it would not be clear felling the area.
“A silvicultural method called aggregated retention will be applied to retain clumps of canopy trees. The Rider Experience Zone agreed with representatives from Derby’s tourism and business community remains in place,” STT said in its advertising.
Reforestation works in CC119A were described as necessary by STT to re-establish areas of forest from prior harvesting.
“This is essential for the long-term sustainability, environmental values and visual amenity for the forest.”
Blue Derby Wild has been campaigning against the work since 2022, arguing there were issues of “apprehended bias” over STT staff having the power to self-regulate their own logging plans and operations on behalf of the independent regulator the Forest Practices Authority.
The action led to an injunction which saw STT work halted. The original court case found in favour of STT but Blue Derby Wild then appealed.
Last Friday, April 12, the Full Court of Tasmania refused the group’s appeal against what it claims are unlawful logging practices.
Campaign Coordinator Louise Morris said it was a disappointing outcome and vowed to fight on.
“We've managed to get another reprieve for these forests while we lodge an application to the Full Court for an injunction on any logging and burning of these forests, and seek special leave to take our case to the High Court of Australian,” Ms Morris said.
She said the case focussing on Krushka’s was “the working example of the conflict created by our current native forest logging regime and its damaging impacts on biodiversity, climate change and of course our communities who understand that intact native forests are a massive asset to us.”