There’s been an election on Tasmania, so just a short piece today to belatedly mark International Forest Day on the 21st March.
This Year’s Theme is about unlocking the potential of forests through research, and yes, it’s high time Tasmania was doing that. We are still exporting the bulk of our valuable forests as woodchips - the lowest value of all to be turned into toilet paper and packaging for very little return.
Even worse, we are importing timber for building and construction from the
mainland and Asian countries so that would be a good place to start value
adding, followed closely by growing seasonal crops such as hemp on unproductive
lands for throwaway products. That should ensure reliable supply for both industries without having to to carve up more reserves.
Wonder how Tasmanians will vote today? If they opt for the incumbents it will mean even more of our forests being cleared, rather than protecting nature and our natural assets. Although we are now to get a new Forest Research Centre right here in Tasmania, I am somewhat cynical. I fear that it will be all about economics -harnessing the value of forests for further exploitation, when our magnificent trees are worth so much more and not just as carbon catchers, though there is merit in that too.
Even Leonardo Di Caprio thinks they are worth saving.
The polls have closed. The counting has begun and I'm sitting here biting my nails, waiting for the results.
Stoppress: 24/3/2024 The Morning After...
Despite not gaining a majority, it looks like Tasmania remains the only Liberal -led State in Australia. Brace yourselves for business as usual.
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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND |
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