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Host:
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Good evening, everyone, and
welcome to the show. Tonight we have two interesting people
with us. On my left, Jonathan Price, CEO of the Forestry Industries
Commission.
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Jon:
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Thanks, Jack. Please call
me Jon.
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Host:
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OK, Jon. And on my right,
Melinda Watson, Leader of the National Green Party.
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Melinda:
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Good to be here, Jack.
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Host:
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Right. Well, let's get straight
into our discussion. Melinda, can I ask you your thoughts on
the new plans from the Forestry Industries Commission to increase
the number of logging operations over the next five years?
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Melinda:
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Quite honestly, Jack, I think
it's outrageous. We live in a beautiful country, but our forests
are rapidly decreasing and we are losing many natural habitats.
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Jon:
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That's not true, Melinda.
New laws mean that we replant all of the felled trees. We do
care about our environment.
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Melinda:
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If you really cared, you wouldn't
destroy the habitats of so many creatures. Of course, we humans
are sad because we are losing beautiful places to walk in and
enjoy, but animals, birds and insects are losing their homes.
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Jon:
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Hmmm, well, maybe for a while
- but how about the people who live in the area? They need jobs
so they can afford homes, too. New logging operations bring
money into the area.
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Melinda:
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That's all you care about,
isn't it? Money.
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Jon:
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No, not at all. We need timber
to support many other industries and businesses. As long as
we replant as we go, and take care not to pollute, there shouldn't
be a problem.
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Host:
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I don't think Melinda agrees
with you, Jon.
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Melinda:
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That's right, Jack, I don't.
I'm sure you are both aware of the many problems caused by logging.
When we cut down trees from a wide area, rain washes away the
topsoil and causes erosion. This leads to pollution of rivers,
as the fertilisers are washed away with the soil.
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Jon:
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But, Melinda, I've already
explained that we have a strict programme of reforestation,
which solves these problems. We are also very careful with fertilisers
and chemicals - and road building, too.
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Melinda:
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Perhaps in theory. But in
practice, the large machinery used for logging destroys the
soil structure, resulting in less re-growth for several years.
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Jon:
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Yes, that's true, but we are
working hard towards sustainable forests, and we offer continuing
education for loggers. I think we need to educate the industry
and the public on how we can help the economy.
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Melinda:
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Well, I think
that's one thing we can agree on: education is the key to our
future.
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