Forest discussion for New Norfolk

NON-GOVERNMENT conservation organisation Environment Tasmania will host a community forum at New Norfolk this Thursday night to discuss Tasmanian world heritage listings and tourism opportunities. Other forums will be held at Kingston and Deloraine, and the first in the series was held at Rosny, featuring views from tourist operators, academics and experts detailing the importance of World Heritage Area forests and the benefits they bring for tourism.

Environment Tasmania spokesman Phill Pullinger said iconic forests and World Heritage areas were part of new job opportunities and economic benefits in nature-based tourism for Tasmania. “We have protected many of Tasmania’s most important and iconic native forests, including the Styx, Weld and upper Florentine Valleys. It’s important that people can learn first-hand about the benefits of this protection and the jobs it creates,” Dr Pullinger said.

The New Norfolk forum will be held at 6pm on March 13 at the Willow Court Motel, 15 George St, New Norfolk. “All Tasmanians are invited to come and hear from locals and experts about the importance and benefits of World Heritage listing whilst still having a sustainable tourism, food and heritage industry,” Dr Pullinger said.