Wielangta Forest, on the east coast of Tasmania near Maria Island, was the centre of an epic court case, two years in the making and three years in the courts. Senator Bob Brown contended that Forestry Tasmania’s logging practices were driving the endangered Swift Parrot, Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle and Wielangta Stag Beetle closer to extinction.
After a marathon 33 days in court, the trial judge, Justice Marshall agreed and ruled that logging Wielangta was illegal. Then the Tasmanian Premier and then Prime Minister Howard changed the rules—overnight. Instead of the Regional Forest Agreement requiring endangered species to be protected, it now says that they already are protected—even though the court found the opposite!
