WA forest blockade a success

By Julie Green and Anne Pavy

PERTH — Environmentalists trying to protect old growth Karri\Marri forest south west of here have been taking action against the clear-felling since July 1. This phase of the blockade will conclude on July 30 to allow the government and logging industry to review their current practice and stop logging old growth forests.

The blockade has been a success, as the following indicates:

• On July 13 in the Lockhart block near Denmark, two women from the Denmark Forest Alliance blockaded and stopped logging.
  

• On July 16, on the final day of the Asia-Pacific Development and Environment conference at Murdoch University, 30 people presented a letter outlining the destruction occurring in WA's old growth forests to a visiting Japanese environmental lawyer. The letter will be taken back to Japan's environmental movement to rally support for an end to logging.
  

• On July 19, four people staffed triforms over logging machinery in Jane block, again halting logging. The police arrested two; despite pleas from the police, the magistrate lifted bail conditions allowing the protesters to return to the blockade.
  

• On July 21, WA Forest Alliance organised three theatrical performances in the city of Perth to educate and activate people. Petitions were signed and leaflets handed out to onlookers. The performance aimed to show that environmental protection and industry can co-exist. Petitions are being sent to the state and federal governments.
  

From GLW issue 152