Tasmania's Wilderness Battles

Tasmania's Wilderness Battles explores the stunning landscapes of Tasmania, which include its old-growth forests, wild, untamed rivers, and remote, rugged mountain peaks—elements etched in the minds of most Australians.

These magnificent wilderness areas have been the centre of intense conflict between the government, big business, and environmentalists over the past 30 years. Although told predominantly from an environmentalist's perspective, the book provides a factual account of these events.

Starting in the 1970s with the flooding of Lake Pedder, the narrative guides readers through key moments such as the Franklin River blockade and more recent confrontations concerning Tasmania's old-growth forests. It culminates with the controversial proposal for the Gunns pulp mill in the Tamar Valley.

The unfolding events illustrate the complexities of politics in the island state and highlight the climate of suspicion and mistrust that persists among various interest groups. These environmental battles have had broader implications for Australia, significantly influencing the shaping of the Green party, The Wilderness Society, and The Australian Conservation Foundation.

Never before has Tasmania been scrutinised through the lens of conflicting wilderness values. Tasmania's Wilderness Battles reveals the profound impact this single issue has had on the recent history of Tasmania.