Forestry industry leader calls for more constructive debate, less dangerous conduct

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE recent blockade of a logging truck in Bellingen raises serious questions about the conduct of those claiming to speak for our forests and communities.

Peaceful protest is a democratic right. However, sitting under a loaded logging truck to prevent a driver from doing lawful work crosses the line from peaceful demonstration into dangerous obstruction.

The driver was simply doing their job. Yet protesters apparently considered their opposition to forestry sufficient justification to interfere with that person’s livelihood and potentially endanger everyone involved.

There is considerable irony in activists demanding community engagement and social licence while deliberately obstructing the very people whose futures are being debated.

Forestry workers are not faceless representatives of an industry. They are local residents, parents, employers and volunteers who contribute to the economic and social fabric of regional communities.

They deserve the same respect, safety and opportunity to earn a living as anyone else.

The protesters also made sweeping allegations about corruption, climate change and species extinction. Such serious accusations require credible supporting evidence, not slogans shouted at passing motorists.

Disagreement about forest management is legitimate. Intimidation and dangerous obstruction are not substitutes for constructive engagement.

If activists genuinely want a discussion about the future of our forests, they should engage with the science, forestry professionals and the regional communities affected by their demands.

You cannot demand social licence from an industry while refusing to extend basic respect and consideration to the people who work in it.

Our forests and communities deserve a more constructive debate.

Regards,

Steve Dobbyns,

Chair of Forest and Wood Communities Australia.