Protestors' decision to quit Giblett forest block welcomed

17/12/97

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes today welcomed the decision by protesters at the Giblett forest block to leave the site.

Mrs Edwardes said she was pleased that common sense had prevailed and the protest had ended in a non-confrontationist manner.

"I have always indicated in endeavouring to resolve this issue that it was one of public safety, not logging," she said.

"As of last week I clearly indicated that there was no intention of logging the Giblett block until next winter."

The Minister said she again confirmed her previous public statements in a letter to the group this morning.

In the letter Mrs Edwardes re-stated that:

1. timber harvesting was not planned in the Giblett Block during the summer months and that there would not be any harvesting in the block before winter 1998; and -

2. it was expected that the Regional Forest Agreement process be signed by March 1998.

The Minster said she was pleased that the issue had been settled without any loss or injury to life or property of the protestors and others.

Mrs Edwardes thanked the Department of Conservation and Land Management officers and police officers for their efforts.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 9421 7777