The Tasmanian Government has announced the passing of legislation through the State Parliament which delivers protection for 137,000 hectares of forest with high conservation value, including the iconic areas of Tyenna, Hastings, Picton and the Upper Florentine.

The legislation will also provide for the formation of the the Forest Stewardship Council certification and funding for sawmill buybacks and over $100 million in new regional development projects.

Premier Lara Giddings praised the ‘tireless efforts’ of the signatories from the forest industry, unions and the environmental movement.

“When we set out on this journey nearly three years ago few imagined we could achieve what we have today,” Ms Giddings said.

“This is indeed a historic turning point for Tasmania.

“It marks the point where we can put aside old hostilities and take control of the future of the forest industry by responding to the needs and wants of global customers.”

Deputy Premier, Bryan Green, said the State Government was totally committed to implementing the Tasmanian Forest Agreement.

“We will continue to work with the signatories to implement the milestones of the agreement,” Mr Green said. “The Government is in no doubt Tasmanians want this issue fixed.”