In response to Greens’ questioning in Parliament about the destruction of Swift Parrot habitat, the Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie did not once mention the critically endangered bird she is responsible for protecting. It’s emblematic of a government that’s more concerned with logging forests than protecting the species that rely on them.
Right to Information documents show Natural Resources and Environment considered applying for the Lonnavale region in the Huon Valley to be designated a Swift Parrot Important Breeding Habitat. But plans didn’t go ahead after it was noted this would “significantly impact” Forestry Tasmania’s revenue.
On the Minister’s watch choices are actively being made to prioritise forestry profits over the future of a beautiful bird on the brink of extinction. Declining the opportunity to even mention the species in Parliament, it seems the Minister is entirely unaware what if anything is being done on its protection.
The Wilderness Society are today taking Tasmania’s Forest Practice Authority to court on approval of logging in recognised important swift parrot habitat. While the Liberals are content to let these species go extinct, the Greens will stand behind forest defenders fighting for the future of the Swiftie.
