On Tuesday, a writ was lodged against 20 different groups and individuals, including The Wilderness Society and Doctors for Forests, by Gunns Ltd of Tasmania, Australia. They are attempting to sue for loss of business, to the tune of $6.36 million (AUD).

Within 24 hours, hundreds of demonstrators had gathered in the centre of Hobart, the Tasmanian capital, to protest this attempt at stifling dissent. A silent vigil was held and keys were jangled to represent the desire to open a door to a new and different future. Historical comparisons were made with the dangers of asbestosis and cigarette smoking, both of which were exposed through the dedication of protestors. Acknowledgement was also made that this was an issue of importance to us all - despite the varied political beliefs of those present.

Photos: [ 1 | 2 ]
Videos: [ Vigil | Tasmanian Forests - background]

Tasmania is one of the world's most beautiful environments and home to some amazing areas of forest. These are now being felled at an alarming rate. For what? 90% of the Tasmanian native forests that are felled are converted into woodchips for the paper industry, which are then sold for $15 AUD (approximately $9 US) per tonne. And the profit doesn't even benefit the local community: most of the profits from Gunns - the biggest hardwood woodchipper in the world - leave Tasmania for shareholders on mainland Australia, despite what the industry and government says.

[ Tasmedia story | Discover Tasmania | Background to Gunns | Rape of Tasmania ]

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