WOODCHIPPERS IN COURT PROTEST

 Top national and regional managers of the woodchipping industry turned up outside Bega Local Court this morning (Tuesday) morning to protest against conservationists who were due to appear in court over Mumbulla Forest koala habitat logging charges.
Conservationists arriving at court were startled to see the National Manager of Timber Communities Australia, Jim Adams along with the two top managers of the Eden chipmill, CEO Peter Mitchell and Forestry Manager Peter Rutherford.
Mr Adams was fresh from his successful round of negotiations in Tasmania where his organisation was party to an agreement to end native forest logging in that State.
The industry managers were joined by a total of about 20 loggers who held banners, handed out leaflets, waved placards and cheered passing log trucks.
Eleven, soon to be 12  conservationists are defending over 30 charges under the Forestry Regulations arising from a lengthy protest and community blockade in Mumbulla Forest from March to May this year.
Spokesperson for the conservationists, Ms Harriett Swift said that the cases have been adjourned until 21^st December.
“This is a significant day for the woodchipping industry in the south east as it is also the anniversary of the establishment of Harris-Daishowa, the original owner of the Eden chipmill,” she said.

 23^rd November 2010