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| The Forest Wars |
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| Thursday, 10 January 2008 | |
 As the title suggests, heated debates persist worldwide regarding the logging of native forests. There are the environmentalists (and majority public opinion) seeking cessation of old growth forestry, versus the industries that are opposed to any reductions in access to meet woodchip export demand.
The author herself has over two decades of experience as an industry researcher and in governmental policy formation. Providing an overview of industry development this book traces through a detailed history of government policy and its effect on the state’s industries. Particular focus is given to the issue of plantations and the author assesses their ability to act as a substitute for the continued felling of native forests. Ajani eventually goes on to state the that present plantation capacity ‘virtually’ exists to meet domestic demand, as well as current woodchip export volumes—effectively allowing for a way out of the jobs versus (native forest) trees argument. Ajani’s claims bring into question both current policies as well as government and industry rhetoric of the maintenance of present practice, under the guise of jobs and auspicious economic result. The Forest Wars provides arguably the most reasoned and detailed book on the subject of Australian forestry available. It proves both easily readable yet also highly researched by someone with considerable firsthand experience in all facets of the debate, thus it should appeal to anyone with an active interest in the subject.
The Forest Wars
by Judith Ajani
REVIEWED BY: Tristan Clark
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